Construct

ABSTRACT

A promoter for high level and sustained expression is provided which can be used for gene expression of chosen sequences in general. In particular, a nucleic acid construct comprising a hCEF1 promoter operably linked to a sequence for expression is provided, where the hCEF1 promoter comprises: (i) a human CMV enhancer operably linked to a human EF1 a promoter; (ii) a functional fragment of (i); or (ii) a functional variant of (i) or (ii).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to constructs. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the constructs, the use of the constructs in the manufacture of medicaments as well as to the use of the constructs in various methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of promoters are used in constructs for gene expression. The choice of promoter will often be influenced by the specific use that the construct is being employed for. However, in general constructs that provide high-level expression over a sustained period are desired, particularly for therapeutic applications, but also where it is desired to express genes to harvest the expressed proteins and in instances such as agriculture to obtain desired characteristics in reared animals.

In the use of constructs in a therapeutic context sustained expression at a high level is particularly important. Achieving sustained and high-level expression may mean that a particular treatment has to be given less often and remains effective for longer. In chronic conditions and inherited genetic defects this may be particularly important where in essence the underlying defect means that continuous treatment has to be given. Examples of such conditions include Cystic Fibrosis where treatment may have to be given permanently and hence any means of increasing the interval between treatments is important.

Gene expression constructs can suffer from a variety of problems. In some cases expression may be only for a short period before being silenced. This is particularly the case in vivo and in a variety of tissues. Additionally, or alternatively, some constructs give rise to only very weak expression and inadequate expression to achieve the desired effect.

A further problem with some constructs for gene expression when employed in vivo is that they may trigger the immune system of the subject in an undesired way. Thus, a subject may display an immune response against particular viral gene expression constructs that limit their effectiveness, particularly when used repeatedly in the same subject which may be the situation as outlined above for many conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the structure of the pGM160 construct into which sequences can be cloned for expression from the hCEFI promoter.

FIG. 2 depicts the structure of the pGM151 construct in which the coding sequences for the CFTR polypeptide are cloned in operable linkage with the hCEFI promoter.

FIG. 3 depicts the structure of the pGM144 construct in which the coding sequences for the luciferase reporter polypeptide are cloned in operable linkage with the hCEFI promoter.

FIG. 4 a depicts levels of flu like symptoms and lung inflammation following administration to mice of constructs with decreasing CpG dinucleotide content with, from left to right in each graph, 317 CpGs, 193 CpGs, 0 CpGs and control mice which have not had a construct administered. TNF-α, IFNγ and IL-12 levels are shown as well as the number of neutrophils in BALF (bronchoalveolar lavage lung fluid). FIG. 4 b shows the effect of adding a single CpG motif to a construct on the inflammatory response to the construct in the lung of a mouse. More specifically, FIG. 4 b shows the effect of addition of a single CpG dinucleotide to a construct with no CpG dinucleotides. From left to right in each graph, the results for a construct with 317 CpG dinucleotides, a single CpG dinucleotide, no CpG dinucleotides and control untreated mice are shown. FIG. 4 c shows that replacing the Lux gene with a CFTR gene with no Cpg dinucleotides has no effect on the inflammatory response observed.

FIG. 5 shows expression levels in the lung with time following GL67 aerosol delivery of the constructs pG4hCEFI soLux (expression from a hCEFI promoter of the invention), pG4GZB soLux (employs the human CMV enhancer and promoter), pG4mCEFI soLux (employs the mouse CMV enhancer and the human EFIa promoter), pG2Ubc Lux (employs the human polyubiquitin C promoter) and pG1 CMV lux (which employs the CMV IE promoter and enhancer).

FIG. 6 shows expression levels in the lung with time following PEI aerosol delivery of the pG4 hCEFI soLux, pG4GZB soLux, pG4mCEFI soLux, and pG3mCEFI soLux constructs.

FIG. 7 a and b show first, second, third and fourth generation vectors with the number of CpG dinucleotides depicted as lollipops and indicated at the centre of each construct.

FIG. 8 shows expression levels in the lung with time following GL67 aerosol delivery of the constructs pG2EF1a Lux (employs the EFIa promoter and has 245 CpGs), pG2CEF 1a Lux (employs the human CMV enhancer and the EF1a promoter and has 262 CpGs), pG2hCEFI Lux (employs a CpG free human CMV enhancer and a human EFIa promoter, the construct has 149 CpGs) and pG4hCEFI soLux (employs a CpG free human CMV enhancer and a human EFIa promoter and the entire construct has no CpGs).

FIG. 9 shows expression levels in the lung over 56 days following GL67 aerosol delivery of the constructs pG4hCEFI soLux and pG4EF1 soLux (employs a CpG free human EFIa promoter only and the entire construct contains no CpGs).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEQUENCES

SEQ ID NO: 1 is the polynucleotide sequence of the pGM160 construct for cloning sequences for expression using the hCEFI promoter.

SEQ ID NO: 2 is the polynucleotide sequence of the pGM151 construct which includes the coding sequences for CFTR which contains no CpG dinucleotides and also which have been codon optimised for expression (soCFTR). The invention also allows for an alternative polynucleotide sequence of CFTR in which nucleotide 2595 is C, nucleotide 3234 is T and nucleotide 3236 is C.

SEQ ID NO: 3 is the polypeptide sequence of the CFTR polypeptide encoded by the pGM151 construct of SEQ ID No: 2. The invention also allows for an alternative polypeptide sequence of CFTR in which amino acid 620 is H (Histidine) and amino acid 833 is F (Phenylalanine).

SEQ ID NO: 4 is the polynucleotide sequence of the pGM144 construct which includes the coding sequences for a luciferase polypeptide, which contains no CpG dinucleotides and also which have codons optimised for expression (soLux).

SEQ ID NO: 5 is the polypeptide sequence of the luciferase polypeptide encoded by the pGM144 construct of SEQ ID No:4.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides hCEFI promoters that comprise a human CMV enhancer operably linked to a human EF1a promoter, functional fragments thereof or functional variants of either. In a particularly preferred instance, the hCEFI promoters have been modified to reduce the number of, or eliminate altogether, CpG dinucleotides

The hCEFI promoters have been shown to give rise to unexpectedly high and sustained levels of expression. The hCEFI promoter of the invention is therefore particularly useful for constructs for gene expression. Thus, the constructs of the invention are preferably gene expression constructs. The invention also provides constructs that have been further optimised for gene expression, and in particular their therapeutic use, by eliminating or reducing the number of CpG dinucleotides to reduce unwanted immune responses.

Thus, the present invention provides a nucleic acid construct comprising a hCEF1 promoter operably linked to a sequence for expression, where the hCEF1 promoter comprises:

-   -   (i) a human CMV enhancer operably linked to a human EF1a         promoter;     -   (ii) a functional fragment of (i); or     -   (iii) a functional variant of (i) or (ii).

The present invention additionally provides:

-   -   a pharmaceutical composition comprising a construct of the         invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or         excipient;     -   a construct of the invention for use in a method of treatment of         the human or animal body by therapy or surgery; and     -   use of a construct of the present invention in the manufacture         of a medicament for use in treating a genetic disorder, chronic         condition, allergy, autoimmunity, infection or a cancer.

The invention further provides a method of treating a disorder comprising administering a construct of the invention in an effective amount to a subject suffering from such a disorder.

The invention also provides:

-   -   a non-therapeutic method of expressing a sequence in a subject,         the method comprising administering a construct of the         invention, wherein the hCEFI promoter is operably linked to a         non-therapeutic sequence for expression;     -   an in vitro or ex vivo method of expressing a gene in a cell,         tissue or organ, the method comprising introducing a construct         of the invention into said cells, tissue or organ; and     -   an isolated hCEFI promoter of the invention.

The invention also provides a construct comprising a hCEFI promoter operably linked to a restriction site, wherein insertion of coding sequences into the restriction site will result in their operable linkage to the hCEFI promoter.

The invention also provides a non-human animal comprising an hCEFI promoter of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified molecules or process parameters as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to be limiting. In addition, the practice of the present invention will employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional methods of virology, microbiology, molecular biology, recombinant DNA techniques and immunology all of which are within the ordinary skill of the art. Such techniques are explained fully in the literature. See, e.g., Sambrook, et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2nd Edition, 1989); DNA Cloning: A Practical Approach, vol. I & II (D. Glover, ed.); Oligonucleotide Synthesis (N. Gait, ed., 1984); A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning (1984); and Fundamental Virology, 2nd Edition, vol. I & II (B. N. Fields and D. M. Knipe, eds.).

All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

In instances where a particular agent is specified as comprising particular units, in a preferred instance the agent may consist essentially of such units.

General Overview

The invention is concerned in particular with constructs that allow efficient expression of sequences due to the presence of the hCEFI promoter. The constructs provide high levels of expression and importantly sustained expression. This makes the constructs suitable for any application where it is desired to express particular sequences, especially in the expression of sequences to treat disorders, particularly those where sustained gene expression is needed. Due to the length of expression which is seen using the constructs of the invention, it may be that the constructs may be administered less often and/or give rise to improved results where the level of expression with other constructs would be too short lived and/or too low in magnitude.

The constructs are in particular nucleic acid constructs. The terms “nucleic acid molecule” and “polynucleotide” are used interchangeably herein and refer to a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, either deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides, or analogs thereof. In a particularly preferred instance, the constructs of the invention comprise DNA and preferably are DNA constructs.

The invention provides constructs comprising, or in some embodiments, consisting essentially of a hCEFI promoter sequence and a cloning site, such that when a coding sequence is inserted in the cloning site, the coding sequence is in operable linkage with the promoter. The invention also provides constructs with sequences for expression inserted into the cloning site or sites. The sequences to be expressed may in particular be coding sequences. The coding sequences may encode any of the polypeptides referred to herein.

The constructs of the invention may be employed in a variety of pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines, in the manufacture of medicaments and also in a range of methods.

The hCEFI Promoter

The various constructs of the invention employ the hCEFI promoter. The hCEFI promoter gives rises to prolonged and high-level expression of sequences and comprises:

-   -   (i) a human CMV enhancer operably linked to a human EF1a         promoter;     -   (ii) a functional fragment of (i); or     -   (iii) a functional variant of (i) or (ii).

“Operably linked” refers to an arrangement of elements wherein the components so described are configured so as to perform their usual function. Thus, a promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid sequence is capable of effecting the expression of that sequence when the proper enzymes are present. The hCEFI promoter need not be contiguous with the sequence, so long as it functions to direct the expression thereof. Thus, the sequence to be expressed will be transcribed due to the hCEFI promoter. In a preferred instance any of the components described herein will be in operable linkage when present in a construct of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the hCEFI promoter is therefore a composite of a human CMV enhancer linked to a human EF1 a promoter, though functional fragments thereof and functional variants thereof may also be employed. It has been unexpectedly found that the use of the human CMV enhancer linked to the human EF1a promoter gives high and in particular sustained expression.

In some embodiments, a human CMV enhancer may be employed in conjunction with a functional fragment or functional variant of a human EF1 a promoter. In other embodiments, a functional fragment or functional variant of a human CMV enhancer may be employed with a human EF1 a promoter. In other embodiments, a functional fragment or variant of a human CMV enhancer may be employed with a functional fragment or variant of a human EF1a promoter.

The hCEFI promoter is for eukaryotic expression. The hCEFI promoters of the invention are functional in mammalian cells and may be used for expression in mammalian cells. The hCEFI may also be used for expression in avians. Thus, the constructs of the invention will express the sequences for expression operably linked to the hCEFI promoter in eukaryotic cells, in particular mammalian cells and avian cells and preferably in mammalian cells. In a particularly preferred instance, they will be used for expression in human cells.

In one particularly preferred instance the hCEF1 promoter may comprise the sequence of nucleotides 7 to 538 of SEQ ID No: 1, a functional fragment thereof or a functional variant of either. A functional fragment may, for instance, be at least 200, preferably at least 300, even more preferably at least 400 and even more preferably at least 500 nucleotides in length. A functional variant may, for instance, have at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80% and still more preferably at least 90% sequence identity to nucleotides 7 to 538 of SEQ ID No:1. In a preferred instance, a functional variant may have at least 92%, preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 97% and even more preferably at least 99% sequence identity nucleotides 7 to 538 of SEQ ID No:1. Such sequence identity may be over any of the lengths specified herein, for instance over at least 20, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 100, even more preferably at least 300 and even more preferably over the entire length of the sequence in question.

Any of the length of fragments and levels of sequence identity referred to herein may define the functional fragments and variants. The fragments and variants will be functional. In a preferred embodiment they will give at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, even more preferably at least 50%, still more preferably at least 75%, and yet more preferably at least 90% of the expression of the promoter of nucleotides 7 to 538 of SEQ ID No:1. In some instances, the level of expression may be higher and may be at least double, triple, four times or more that of the expression seen with nucleotides 7 to 538 of SEQ ID No:1. The duration of expression may also, for instance, be any of the levels specified, such as at least 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 90% of that seen with nucleotides 7 to 538 of SEQ ID No:1 or may, for instance, be at least double, triple or four times that seen with nucleotides 7 to 538 of SEQ ID No: 1. In one preferred instance, the level and duration of expression may have any of the preceding magnitudes specified in comparison to expression using the promoter of nucleotides 7 to 538 of SEQ ID No:1.

Functionality of fragments and variants may be assessed in any suitable assay system. In one preferred instance, the same construct is assessed apart from the change in promoter. The promoter under test may, for instance, be a fragment or variant of the original promoter in the construct. In a preferred instance, expression is compared between the construct of SEQ ID No: 2 or 4 and the equivalent construct, but with nucleotides 7 to 538 replaced with the fragment or variant under test. In one instance, the construct under test may comprise the luciferase gene of nucleotides 738 to 2390 of SEQ ID No:4, a functional fragment thereof or a functional variant of either and luciferase expression may be measured to determine functionality. In one embodiment the construct of SEQ ID No:1 is employed, but which has had a sequence for expression and in particular a coding sequence cloned into it, including any of those mentioned herein.

Any appropriate system may be used to assess functionality. An in vitro system may be used including any of the cell types measured herein. In a particularly preferred case, an in vivo system and in particular a non-human animal may be used to assess functionality. Any of the non-human animals and in particular the non-human mammals mentioned herein may be used. Rodents and in particular mice may be employed. Any of the administration routes mentioned herein may be employed in assessing functionality and in a preferred embodiment administration into the lung, particularly via aerosol administration and in particular aerosol administration employing liposomes may be employed and preferably cationic liposomes or cationic polymers may be employed. The liposome formulation may be any of those mentioned herein. In particular, a GL67 liposome formulation may be used. In the case of cationic polymers PEI is a particularly preferred choice for formulation.

In one preferred instance, complexes of a construct of the invention and cationic liposomes or cationic polymers are delivered into the lungs of mice as aerosols and expression measured for at least 7, preferably at least 14, more preferably at least 14, even more preferably at least 21 and still more preferably at least 28 days, yet more preferably at least 56 days. Expression may be measured at, for example, any of those time points, all of those time points and so on. Such durations may be used in any of the ways of assessing functionality discussed herein. Any of the non-human animals and expression routes mentioned herein may be employed in such assessment. In a preferred instance, luciferase expression is measured.

The high and sustained expression seen employing the hCEFI promoter means that the constructs of the invention find a wide range of uses. The high and sustained level of expression was unexpected given that previous prior art constructs existed employing the mouse CMV enhancer and no indication was given that the mouse CMV enhancer would perform anything other than optimally in human cells and give sustained expression. Surprisingly therefore, the human CMV enhancer in tandem with the human EF1 a promoter gives far superior and sustained expression in comparison to such prior art constructs.

In a further preferred instance, the hCEFI promoters of the invention have low or no CpG dinucleotide content. The absence of CpG dinucleotides further improves the performance of constructs of the invention and in particular in situations where it is not desired to induce an immune response against an expressed antigen or an inflammatory response against the delivered expression construct. The elimination of CpG dinucleotides reduces the occurrence of flu-like symptoms and inflammation which may result from administration of constructs, particularly when administered to the airways.

The present invention also provides any of the above referred hCEFI promoters in isolated form as well as a nucleic acid comprising the hCEFI promoter. In a preferred instance, the hCEFI promoter is present in a construct of the invention.

Variants, Fragments and Sequence Identity

A number of elements may be employed in the constructs of the invention. Functional fragments and functional variants of specific sequences may be employed in the constructs of the present invention. For instance, the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID Nos 1 to 5 provide the sequence of various specific elements. However, functional fragments of such specific sequences as well as functional variants of either may be employed. The same applies to any of the elements, polypeptides and other integers referred to herein.

Variants of a specific sequence may be defined by reference to a degree of sequence identity or homology to the specific sequence referred to herein. In some instances, the level of sequence identity may be at least 25%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 60% and still more preferably at least 75%. In some instances, the level of sequence identity may be at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95%, still more preferably at least 97% and in some instances at least 99%. Thus, wherever sequence identity is referred to herein such levels of identity may, for instance, apply.

The length such sequence identity occurs over may, for instance, be over at least 15, preferably at least 30, for instance at least 40, 60 or 100 or more contiguous nucleotides. The region of homology may be over at least 150, preferably at least 200 and even more preferably over at least 300 nucleotides. In some instance, the level of sequence identity may be over at least 25%, more preferably at least 50%, still more preferably at least 75% and even more preferably over at least 95% of the length of the element or construct in question. In a particularly preferred instance, the level of sequence identity is over the entire length of the element or construct in question. In reference to polypeptides the same levels and lengths of sequence identity may, for instance, be present.

Methods of measuring polynucleotide and polypeptide homology or identity are known in the art. For example the UWGCG Package provides the BESTFIT program which can be used to calculate homology (e.g. used on its default settings) (Devereux et al (1984) Nucleic Acids Research 12, p387-395).

The PILEUP and BLAST algorithms can also be used to calculate homology or line up sequences (typically on their default settings), for example as described in Altschul S. F. (1993) J Mol Evol 36:290-300; Altschul, S, F et al (1990) J Mol Biol 215:403-10.

Software for performing BLAST analysis is publicly available through the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). This algorithm involves first identifying high scoring sequence pair (HSPs) by identifying short words of length W in the query sequence that either match or satisfy some positive-valued threshold score T when aligned with a word of the same length in a database sequence. T is referred to as the neighbourhood word score threshold (Altschul et al, supra). These initial neighbourhood word hits act as seeds for initiating searches to find HSPs containing them. The word hits are extended in both directions along each sequence for as far as the cumulative alignment score can be increased. Extensions for the word hits in each direction are halted when: the cumulative alignment score goes to zero or below, due to the accumulation of one or more negative-scoring residue alignments; or the end of either sequence is reached. The BLAST algorithm parameters W, T and X determine the sensitivity and speed of the alignment. The BLAST program uses as defaults a word length (W) of 11, the BLOSUM62 scoring matrix (see Henikoff and Henikoff (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:10915-10919) alignments (B) of 50, expectation (E) of 10, M=5, N=4, and a comparison of both strands.

The BLAST algorithm performs a statistical analysis of the similarity between two sequences; see e.g., Karlin and Altschul (1993) Proc. Natl, Acad. Sci. USA 90:5873-5787. One measure of similarity provided by the BLAST algorithm is the smallest sum probability (P(N)), which provides an indication of the probability by which a match between two nucleotide or amino acid sequences would occur by chance. For example, a sequence is considered similar to another sequence if the smallest sum probability in comparison of the first sequence to the second sequence is less than about 1, preferably less than about 0.1, more preferably less than about 0.01, and most preferably less than about 0.001.

In some instances, a variant may differ from a specific sequence by 100 or less, 50 or less, 20 or less, 15 or less, 10 or less, 5 or less, 3 or less or 2 or less changes (each of which may be a substitution, duplication, deletion or insertion) or by more than such numbers of changes. In some instances there may be only a single change. These mutations may be measured over a region of at least 30, for instance at least 40, 60 or 100 or more contiguous nucleotides of the elements in question and in particular over their entire length. Similar levels of changes may be present in polypeptide sequences. In a preferred instance, the variation in question will not introduce CpG dinucleotides into the nucleotide sequences in question.

Where a polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide, substitutions may preferably create “conservative” changes in the amino acid encoded. These are defined according to Table 1 below. Amino acids in the same block in the second column and preferably in the same line in the third column may be substituted for each other in conservative changes.

TABLE 1 ALIPHATIC Non-Polar G A P I L V Polar-uncharged C S T M N Q Polar-charged D E K R AROMATIC H F W Y

In some instances, functional fragments of particular integers referred to herein may be employed. The term “fragment” indicates a smaller part of a larger entity. Fragments of specific elements referred to herein may be employed in the invention. In particular, such fragments will retain some or all functionality of the original element and in particular any of the functions mentioned herein. They may retain any of the levels of functionality referred to herein.

In some instances, a fragment may be at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, still more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90% and still more preferably at least 95% of the length of the original. A fragment may be equal to or less than such percentages of the length of the original. In the present invention variants of functional fragments may be employed.

Variants and fragments of particular sequences will be functional that is they will retain at least a degree of a particular function possessed by the sequence they are derived from. Thus, in the case of promoters they will be able to give rise to transcription and in particular will show at least a proportion of the expression levels and duration shown by the original promoter. Variants and fragments similarly may retain any one or more of the other functions mentioned herein which the original molecule possessed to some extent.

Constructs

In a preferred instance, the hCEFI promoters of the present invention are utilised in constructs. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a nucleic acid construct comprising a hCEFI promoter operably linked to a sequence for expression, where the hCEFI promoter comprises:

-   -   (i) a human CMV enhancer operably linked to a human EF1a         promoter;     -   (ii) a functional fragment of (i); or     -   (iii) a functional variant of (i) or (ii).

The constructs can be used to give rise to expression of the sequence operably linked to the hCEFI promoter. The sequence for expression may in a preferred case comprise a coding sequence for translation into a polypeptide. In other instances, the sequence for expression may be transcribed to give rise to a functional RNA molecule, or the transcript may be processed to give rise to a functional RNA molecule.

In instances where the specific construct of SEQ ID No:1 are referred to, the equivalent elements of the constructs of SEQ ID Nos:2 and 4 may be employed as may functional variants and fragments of such sequences.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, the construct of the invention may include an intron or introns. Thus, for instance, in constructs where the sequence to be expressed comprises coding sequences, in a preferred instance, an initial exon may be present upstream of the exon or exons comprising the coding sequences and then an intron may be present between the two.

The invention therefore provides, in one instance, constructs comprising an intron between the hCEFI promoter and coding sequences to be expressed. The intron will be operably linked to the hCEFI promoter, the initial exon or exons and the exon or exons comprising the coding sequences to be expressed. The intron will therefore be operably linked to the other sequences it is transcribed with so that it is spliced out of the transcript.

The construct may therefore also include the appropriate splice donor and splice acceptor sequences to allow for splicing out of any intron included. Introns may also be present interspersed with the exons comprising the coding sequences and then be spliced out for translation or in some instances there may be no such introns.

Any suitable introns may be employed and in particular any intron comprising the levels of CpG dinucleotides or lacking such dinucleotides as specified herein may, for instance, be employed. The exons may also preferably contain such levels of CpG dinucleotides and in a particularly preferred instance lack any CpG dinucleotides.

In one preferred instance, a construct of the invention will comprise:

(i) the intron of nucleotides 570 to 709 of SEQ ID No:1;

(ii) a functional fragment of (i); or

(iii) a functional variant of (i) or (ii).

In a preferred instance, any of the constructs of the invention may comprise such an intron. The functional variant or fragment may have any of the levels of sequence identity and length specified herein or indeed other characteristics. The intron will be functional in that it will be spliced out of the resulting transcript produced from the hCEFI promoter in the construct. A variant, for instance, may have at least 40%, preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 60% and more preferably at least 75% sequence identity to nucleotides 570 to 709 of SEQ ID No:1. In some instances, the level of sequence identity may be at least 80%, preferably at least 90% and even more, preferably at least 95%. The functional variant or fragment may, for instance, be at least 50, preferably at least 75 and even more preferably at least 100 nucleotides in length.

In a further preferred embodiment, a construct of the invention will comprise an exon operably linked to the hCEFI promoter and the coding sequences to be expressed with an intervening intron which will be spliced from the construct. One or more such exons may be present and in particular such exons will typically be upstream of the kozak sequence, i.e. 5′ of it.

In a preferred instance a construct of the invention may comprise an exon which comprises:

(i) the sequence of nucleotides 539 to 569 of SEQ ID No:1;

(ii) a functional fragment of (i); or

(iii) a functional variant of (i) or (ii).

Any of the levels of characteristics, and in particular level of sequence identity and length of fragment specified herein, may define the exon. A fragment or variant, may, for instance be at least 10 nucleotides, preferably at least 15 and even more preferably at least 20 nucleotides in length or may be 30 nucleotides in length. In addition, the exon or exons preferably have any of the levels of CpG dinucleotides specified herein and in particular no CpG dinucleotides.

In one instance, the one of the above exons may also include the start of the coding sequence to be expressed. In a preferred instance there is at least one non-coding exon and an intron before the exon or exons making up the coding sequence.

In another preferred instance, an exon may be present which comprises:

(i) the sequence of nucleotides 710 to 727 of SEQ ID No:1;

(ii) a functional fragment of (i); or

(iii) a functional variant of (i) or (ii).

Any of the levels of characteristics, and in particular level of sequence identity and length of fragment, may define the exon. A fragment or variant, may, for instance be at least 5 nucleotides, preferably at least 10 and even more preferably at least 12 nucleotides in length or may be 17 nucleotides in length.

In a particularly preferred instance, a construct of the invention may comprise a combination of such exons and an intron, particularly prior to the exon or exons comprising the coding sequences. Thus, in a preferred instance of the invention a construct may comprise:

(i) the nucleotide sequence of nucleotides 539 to 727 of SEQ ID No:1;

(ii) a functional fragment of (i); or

(iii) a functional variant of (i) or (ii).

The functional fragments and variants may have any of the features specified herein and in particular level of sequence identity and length specified. For instance, a variant may have at least 40%, preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 60% and more preferably at least 75% sequence identity to nucleotides 539 to 727 of SEQ ID No:1. In some instances, the level of sequence identity may be at least 80%, preferably at least 90% and even more preferably at least 95%. The functional variant or fragment may, for instance, be at least 75, preferably at least 100 and even more preferably at least 150 nucleotides in length. A functional fragment or variant will preferably include an intron which is appropriately spliced out. Splicing events should result in the generation of a transcript capable of expressing the desired polypeptide. In one embodiment a construct of the invention comprises such exons and introns and a restriction site so that a chosen sequence can be inserted into the construct in operable linkage with them.

In situations where the sequence to be expressed comprises a coding sequence for expression it will preferably be operably linked to the necessary elements for translation of the coding sequences. Typically, a kozak sequence and a polyadenylation signal may be operably linked to the coding sequence. Any appropriate Kozak and polyadenylation sequences may be employed. In a preferred instance:

(i) the kozak sequence may comprise nucleotides 733 to 737 of SEQ ID No:2 or 4, a functional fragment thereof, or a functional variant of either; and/or

(ii) the polyadenylation sequence may comprise nucleotides 2396 to 2597 of SEQ ID No: 4, a functional fragment thereof, or a functional variant of either.

The length and level of sequence identity of the fragment and variant may be any of those specified herein. In the case of the polyadenylation sequences, for instance, the fragment may be at least 50, preferably at least 100 and even more preferably at least 150 nucleotides in length. The level of sequence identity for the kozak sequence and/or the polyadenylation sequence may be at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80% and still more preferably at least 90% or even any of the higher levels of sequence identity specified herein.

Functionality may be measured by any appropriate assay including any of those mentioned herein and the level of functionality may be any of those mentioned herein. In the case of the Kozak sequence, for instance, the level of translation may be at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 75%, and still more preferably at least 90% of the level seen with the original sequence. In the case of the polyadenylation sequence, the level of polyadenylation and/or translation may, for instance, be any such levels. Functionality may also be measured in the level of overall expression and/or the duration of expression seen. In some case, the variant or fragment may give rise to a higher level of functionality than the original sequence for any of the parameters measured, such as, for instance, at least double, triple, quadruple or more.

The constructs of the invention are in one preferred instance shuttle constructs, that is the constructs are able to replicate in bacterial systems and then be used for expression in eukaryotic systems. The constructs may therefore typically have a bacterial origin of replication to allow maintenance of the constructs in bacterial hosts and in particular in E. coli. Any suitable origin of replication may be employed. In one preferred instance, the R6K origin of replication may be employed. The R6K origin is activated by the R6K specific initiator protein B encoded by the pir gene and hence constructs of the invention comprising the R6K origin will typically be grown in strains expressing the pir gene. Any suitable strain expressing the pir gene may be employed. In a preferred instance, constructs of the invention employing the R6K origin are grown in the E. coli strain GT115, EC100 Dpir-116 or DH10 Bpir116.

In a particularly preferred instance, the origin of replication may comprise the sequence of nucleotides 2599 to 2870 of SEQ ID No: 4, a functional fragment thereof, or a functional variant of either. The fragment and variants may be any of the lengths and possess any of the levels of sequence identity specified herein. The level of functionality may be any of the levels specified herein. For instance, functionality may be measured by the yield of construct in comparison to the same construct, but with the original origin of replication under equivalent conditions for the same period of time. Yield may, for instance, be at least 10%, at least 25%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 75% and even more preferably at least 90% in comparison to constructs with the original origin of replication.

In a further preferred instance, a construct of the invention may comprise a gene for expression in bacteria and in particular a bacterial selection marker. Any appropriate selection marker may be employed. In one preferred embodiment a kanamycin selection marker is employed. Employing the kanamycin resistance marker has the advantage that it is particularly suitable for use in constructs for administration to human subjects. In particular, the Kanamycin coding sequences of nucleotides 2878 to 3693 of SEQ ID No:4 may be employed, or a functional fragment thereof, or a functional variant of either. The kanamycin gene sequence is presented counterclockwise in SEQ ID No:4 and hence the gene is translated from nucleotides 3693 to 2878. The kanamycin gene unit of nucleotides 2878 to 3693 may in a preferred instance be present in a construct of the invention or indeed a functional fragment thereof or a functional variant of either. Functionality may be measured by the ability to select for the plasmid in bacteria effectively.

The use of the hCEFI promoter means that the constructs of the invention typically give rise to high and sustained gene expression. In addition, a construct of the invention may also have been designed to reduce content of CpG dinucleotides. CpG dinucleotides can induce inflammation when administered and in particular may induce flu like symptoms, cytokine expression and activation and migration of inflammatory cells. Whilst CpG dinucleotides may assist when constructs are being used for vaccination to generate an immune response, such inflammation is undesirable when wanting to use constructs to express genes for other purposes such as to treat genetic defects.

The constructs of the invention may be any type of construct. In one preferred instance of the invention the construct may be a non-viral construct. In an alternative embodiment, the construct may be a viral construct. The constructs of the present invention may, for instance, be plasmids, cosmids, YACs and in an especially preferred instance be plasmids. The hCEFI promoter may be employed with any appropriate plasmid backbone. In one instance, the constructs of the invention may be integrated into the genome of a cell, in another they may not be so integrated. In one instance a construct of the invention may be provided in circularised form, in another it may be provided in linear form and may have been linearised. A construct of the invention may comprise a restriction site for linearisation.

In one instance, a promoter of the invention may be employed in a viral construct. In a particularly preferred instance, such a construct may be a viral construct that integrates into the genome of cells. In a preferred instance, such constructs may lack, or the gene comprising the promoter may lack, or have a reduced number of, CpG dinucleotides as outlined herein.

In a particularly preferred instance, a viral construct of the invention employing the hCEFI promoter may be a retroviral or a lentiviral construct. Retroviral constructs and lentiviral constructs integrate into the genome of cells and expression from their genes can be decreased or silenced due to methylation of CpG dinucleotides. Thus, in a particularly preferred instance, the hCEFI promoter in such constructs will lack CpG dinucleotides, preferably the gene comprising the hCEFI promoter and sequences to be expressed will lack CpG dinucleotides and in particular one or more of any of the other elements referred to herein present in the construct will lack CpG dinucleotides. In a further preferred instance, there will be no CpG dinucleotides within the gene comprising the hCEFI promoter, preferably within 100 bp, more preferably within 250 bp, still more preferably within 500 by and even more preferably within 1000 by upstream of the hCEFI promoter and/or downstream of the end of the transcribed unit or in some instances not within at least such distances. In one instance, there may be no CpG dinucleotides within such distances from the hCEFI promoter either 5 and/or 3′ and preferably both. In one instance, the construct may lack CpG dinucleotides altogether or only have any of the numbers of CpG dinucleotides specified herein.

The constructs of the invention may typically be in a form suitable for administration to any of the subjects mentioned herein and in particular to humans. In one preferred instance, the constructs do not include matrix attachment regions (MAR), although in others they may do so. In one embodiment, the constructs do not employ a zeocin resistance gene. In another preferred instance, a construct of the invention may, for instance, not comprise any of the Beta-globin MAR, IFN-beta MAR, a zeocyin resistance gene and/or the SV40 polyadenylation signal.

In one preferred embodiment, the invention provides a construct comprising a hCEFI promoter, where a coding sequence can be cloned into the vector via a restriction enzyme site. In particular, such a construct is provided which comprises a restriction site into which a coding sequence can be inserted in operable linkage with the hCEFI promoter. The restriction site, may, for instance, be a restriction enzyme site for any of the restriction enzymes mentioned herein. In one instance, the restriction site is a NheI or an ApaI restriction site.

The restriction site may be unique to the construct. Such a construct may comprise any of the other elements mentioned herein. In a particularly preferred instance, such a construct comprises an initial exon or exons and an intron or intron so that a coding sequence can simply be inserted into operable linkage with them.

In one particularly preferred instance, a construct is provided which comprises:

-   -   (i) the sequence of SEQ ID No:1; or     -   (ii) a construct with at least 70% sequence identity to (i) and         which comprises a hCEF1 promoter of the invention.

A construct with any of the levels of sequence identity specified herein to SEQ ID No:1 may be provided. The invention also comprises a method comprising inserting a coding sequence into such a construct so that it is operably linked to the hCEFI promoter. The invention also provides such a construct with the sequence to be expressed cloned into it in operable linkage with the hCEFI promoter including any of the sequences referred to herein.

In a further preferred instance, the present invention provides a construct, wherein the sequence to be expressed operably linked to the hCEFI promoter encodes a CFTR polypeptide, where the construct comprises:

-   -   (i) the sequence of SEQ ID No:2, or a variant of SEQ ID No:2 in         which nucleotide 2595 is C, nucleotide 3234 is T and nucleotide         3236 is C; or     -   (ii) a construct with at least 70% sequence identity to (i) and         which comprises a hCEF1 promoter as defined in any one of the         preceding claims.

A construct with any of the levels of sequence identity specified herein to SEQ ID No:2 is provided which encodes a functional CFTR gene able to wholly, or at least partially, correct CFTR expression operably linked to a hCEFI promoter of the invention. In a preferred instance, the variant construct will comprise the CFTR coding sequence of SEQ ID No:2 and hence express the same protein. Functional fragments and variants of the specific CFTR coding sequence may be employed. Variants and fragments will preferably be codon optimised.

In a further preferred instance, the present invention provides a construct, wherein the sequence to be expressed operably linked to the hCEFI promoter encodes a luciferase polypeptide, where the construct comprises:

-   -   (i) the sequence of SEQ ID No:4; or     -   (ii) a construct with at least 70% sequence identity to (i) and         which comprises a hCEF1 promoter as defined in any one of the         preceding claims.

A variant construct may have any of the levels of sequence identity specified herein to SEQ ID No:4 and in particular may have the same luciferase coding sequence as SEQ ID No:4.

In a further instance, the luciferase coding sequence may be replaced by sequences encoding any marker gene. Thus in one embodiment a construct of the invention may comprise a marker or a reporter gene in operably linkage with the hCEFI promoter. Examples of reporter genes whose coding sequences may be used include chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, β-galactosidase, β-glucuronidase, and green fluorescent protein. Functional fragments and functional variants may also be employed.

In some instances, a construct of the invention may comprise sequences encoding a sequence allowing purification of the expressed polypeptide such as a histidine tag or a c-myc sequence or other antibody detection sequence. Constructs may also comprise the coding sequences for signals for secretion from a cell. In some instances, the construct of the invention may comprise such sequences and a coding sequence can then be cloned into the construct as appropriate in operable linkage with such sequences.

In another preferred instance, the coding sequence operably linked to the hCEFI promoter may have been codon optimised for expression in the appropriate subject and in particular for expression in humans. The specific luciferase and CFTR coding sequences provided herein are provided which have been codon optimised as are functional fragments and functional variants thereof with any of the levels of sequence identity, length and other features specified herein.

The coding sequences cloned into the constructs of the invention may be any appropriate size for the construct in question. Thus, for instance, a plasmid may comprise a coding sequence of from 30 by to 25 kb, though smaller or larger coding sequences may in some instances be employed. In some instances, the coding sequences may be from 250 to 30 kb, preferably from 300 by to 25 kb, more preferably from 500 by to 20 kb, more preferably still from 500 by to 15 kb and even more preferably from 1000 by to 10 kb. The range may comprise any combination of those sizes and the sequence to be expressed will typically dictate the length of the coding sequence. Constructs such as cosmids and YACs may comprise larger inserts. An appropriate construct for the coding sequence to be expressed will be chosen.

A construct of the invention may be substantially free of, or associated with, cells or with cellular material. It may be in substantially isolated form, or it may be in substantially purified form, in which case it will generally comprise at least 90% e.g at least 95%, 98% 99% or more of the polynucleotide or dry mass in the preparation.

CpG Dinucleotides

In an especially preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more of the elements, and preferably all of the construct, will lack CpG dinucleotides. Such constructs are particularly useful where the constructs are not intended to be used to generate an immune response against an antigen. The presence of CpG dinucleotides can generate flu like symptoms and inflammation, particularly when administered in the airway. The elimination of CpG dinucleotides can help eliminate such effects.

The inflammatory response observed after plasmid/liposome complex delivery arises in part from the recognition of the unmethylated CpG dinucleotides present in the bacterially derived pDNA. Mammalian DNA differs from bacterial DNA in that the frequency of CpG dinucleotides is severely suppressed compared to that of bacterial DNA and most mammalian CpG sequences are methylated. Bacterially derived plasmid DNA activates several immune/inflammatory cell types, including B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells. As shown in the Examples of the present application, the presence of a single CpG dinucleotide can lead to an inflammatory response.

Several strategies could be employed to decrease the immunostimulatory properties of constructs. One approach might be to enzymatically methylate all CpG sequences. While the in vitro methylation of all the CpG dinucleotides within a given pDNA significantly decreases inflammatory consequences of plasmid/liposome delivery to the lung, it also severely inhibits transgene expression. Thus, although methylation may be employed in a preferred instance it is not.

An alternative approach which may be employed in the present invention is to eliminate or reduce the frequency of CpG sequences in the constructs of the invention. This may, for instance, be done by eliminating nonessential regions within the construct (e.g., sequences flanking the origin of replication) and also, for instance, by redesigning regulatory elements and open reading frames to minimise CpG sequences.

Thus, for instance, elements and constructs employed in the invention may have been modified to eliminate at least one, preferably at least five, even more preferably at least ten, still more preferably at least 20 and in some instances at least 30 CpG dinucleotides from the naturally occurring sequence.

The presence of minimal or no CpG dinucleotide content helps minimise inflammatory responses induced by the vector. Thus, the promoter, or other element and preferably the construct as a whole may, for instance, comprise less than 15, preferably less than 10, more preferably less than 5, even more preferably 4, 3, 2, 1 or zero CpG dinucleotides. In an especially preferred embodiment the promoter will comprise no CpG dinucleotides to eliminate immune responses induced by the CpG dinucleotides.

In one preferred embodiment, constructs of the invention will have been modified to eliminate at least one CpG nucleotide from the hCEFI promoter, operably linked sequence for expression, the kozak sequence, polyadenylation signal, origin of replication and/or selection marker, if present, may each, or all, have been so modified. In some instances, at least two, preferably at least five, more preferably at least ten, more preferably at least fifteen and even more preferably at least twenty, more preferably at least 50 and still more preferably at least 100 CpG dinucleotides and yet more preferably all CpG dinucleotides may have been eliminated from a particular element or the construct as a whole. Site directed mutagenesis and the synthesis of specific sequence oligonucleotides may, for instance, be used to eliminate CpG dinucleotides as may any appropriate molecular biology technique.

The invention provides the CFTR coding sequence of nucleotides 738 to 5180 of SEQ ID No:2, a functional fragment thereof or a functional variant thereof and in particular where such sequences have no CpG dinucleotides. The level of sequence identity or the length of the variant or fragment may be any of those specified herein. More specifically, the invention provides for a variant of the CFTR coding region of nucleotides 738 to 5180 of SEQ ID No:2, wherein the nucleotide at position 2595 is a C rather than an A, thus changing the codon from AAT which encodes Asparagine to CAT which encodes Histidine at amino acid position 620 in the corresponding polypeptide. The CFTR coding region of SEQ ID No:2 may additionally or alternatively be amended such that the nucleotide at position 3234 is a T rather than an C and the nucleotide at position 3236 is a C rather than a G, thus changing the codon from CTG which encodes Leucine to TTC which encodes Phenylalanine at amino acid position 833 in the corresponding polypeptide.

The invention also provides functional fragments or functional variants of a CFTR coding sequence which includes either or both of the above-mentioned codon changes.

It is intended that all reference herein to a CFTR coding sequence shall include the sequence of nucleotides 738 to 5180 of SEQ ID No:2, and a variant thereof with either of both the above-mentioned codon changes. Similarly, the invention allows for plasmid constructs including a CFTR coding sequence with either or both the codon changes. Preferably both the codon changes are made.

Changes to the sequence of the CFTR gene, or indeed any part of the construct, may be made using any suitable technique this may include using PCR to produce replacement fragments or synthesising replacement fragments and cloning these fragments into the construct. The effect of the presence of CpG dinucleotides may be studied using any appropriate assay. In particular, a sequence under test may be administered to a non-human animal and preferably inflammation measured. In one preferred instance mice are employed and in particular airway administration. Parameters such as inflammatory cell counts, in particular neutrophil counts, and cytokines levels such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-12 may, for instance, be measured.

Sequences to be Expressed and Conditions

The constructs of the invention may comprise any appropriate sequence for expression operably linked to the hCEFI promoter. In a particularly preferred instance, the sequence to be expressed may comprise a coding sequence and hence encode a polypeptide. In others, the sequences for expression may be transcribed to give rise to RNA molecules which are either functional themselves, or are processed to give rise to functional RNA molecules. For instance, constructs of the invention may be used to express antisense RNAs, siRNAs and ribozymes and they may therefore be used to modulate the expression of any of the genes mentioned herein and in particular to decrease or suppress expression.

In the instance where the sequence operably linked to the hCEFI promoter comprises a coding sequence which is translated to give rise to a polypeptide, any suitable polypeptide may be expressed. The polypeptide expressed may, for instance, be a therapeutic polypeptide, an enzyme, a structural protein, a membrane channel or a component thereof, an inhibitor (in particular an enzyme inhibitor), a signalling molecule (such as a cytokine) or any polypeptide it is desired to be expressed. For any of the polypeptides mentioned herein, functional fragments and functional variants may also be expressed.

In one embodiment the expressed polypeptide may be a therapeutic polypeptide. In particular, the polypeptide may compensate for a genetic defect which means that a particular gene product is absent or defective in a subject. The condition may be one that a particular polypeptide is missing or defective in all cells or alternatively in only particular cell types, tissues or organs. In some instances, expression of the polypeptide may be needed in the lung, liver, muscle, brain, and/or eyes. A preferred muscle tissue is the heart. Thus, the constructs of the invention may be used to express the chosen sequences in such tissues. In a particularly preferred instance, the tissue is lung or liver and in particular lung.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tissue in which it may be desired to achieve expression of the sequences linked to the hCEFI promoter may be the lung. In a particularly preferred instance, the condition to be treated is an airway disorder or a disease affecting the lung.

In a preferred instance, the expressed sequence, and in particular polypeptide, may be one intended to treat one or more of the disorders Cystic Fibrosis, asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), bronchitis and pneumonia. In an especially preferred instance cystic fibrosis may be treated.

In one embodiment, the construct may express a sequence for treating acute or chronic bronchial pulmonary disease, such as infectious pneumonia, bronchitis or tracheobronchitis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, and/or fungal infections. The subject may have a respiratory tract infection. The subject may have sinusitis, sinus congestion or viral infections which infect the respiratory system such as a cold or flu. The constructs may express sequences for treating such conditions.

In an especially preferred instance, the coding sequence encodes a polypeptide for treating Cystic Fibrosis and in particular encodes a Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR), a functional fragment thereof or a functional variant of either. The encoded polypeptide may, for instance, be alpha-1-antitrypsin and hence the construct may be used to treat emphysema. For conditions such as COPD, and ARDS, in a preferred instance, the polypeptides encoded may be heat shock proteins (HSP-70) or anti-inflammatory cytokines, and in particular interleukins and preferably IL-10.

Various therapeutic agents have previously been proposed for treatment of asthma and other chronic inflammatory airway diseases (see, for example, Demoly et al., Gene Therapy (1997) 4, 507-516) and could also be advantageously expressed in the airways by means of an expression construct in accordance with the invention. By way of example of particular genes which may be expressed from the constructs of the invention, the following are listed: soluble CD40, IL-1R, IL-4R, TNF receptor, IL-10, IL-12, Interferon γ, TGF β and polypeptide inhibitors of the human nuclear factor kappa Beta transcription factor. Examples of coding sequences to be expressed include:

-   -   GenBank accession no. M27492 (soluble fragment of human IL-R         gene product) and Sims et al., Cloning the interleukin 1         receptor from human T cells, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1989)         86, 8946-8950:     -   GenBank accession no.X52425 (soluble fragment of human IL4-R         gene product; Idzerda et al., Human interleukin 4 receptor         confers biological responsiveness and defines a novel receptor         superfamily, J. Exp. Med. (1990) 171, 861-873;

GenBank accession no. U53483 (soluble fragment of human TNF receptor gene product; Santee et al., Human tumour necrosis factor receptor p75/80 (CD120b) gene structure and promoter characterization, J. Biol. Chem. (1996) 271, 21151-21159;

-   -   GenBank accession no. X13274 (human IFN-gene product); Gray et         al., Expression of human immune interferon cDNA in E. coli and         monkey cells, Nature (1982) 295, 503-504;     -   GenBank accession no. M57627 (human IL-10 gene product); Vieira         et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1991) 88, 1172-1176;     -   GenBank accession nos. AF180562 and AF180563 (IL-12 chains; p35         and p40 gene products);     -   GenBank accession no. X02812 (human TGFβ gene product); Derynck         et al., Human transforming growth factor-beta complementary DNA         sequence and expression in normal and transformed cells,         Nature (1985) 316, 701-705.

The above sequences may be modified to eliminate or reduced the occurrence of CpG dinucleotides as may any of the coding sequences discussed herein. Functional fragments and variants may be employed.

In a further preferred embodiment, a construct of the invention may express a sequence for treating cancer. Examples of particular cancers include cancers of the lung, prostate, breast, colon, ovary, testes, bowel, melanoma, a lymphoma and a leukaemia. In a particularly preferred instance, the cancer is lung cancer and in particular non-small cell lung cancer.

In order to be used to treat cancer, the constructs of the invention may, in one instance, encode tumour suppressing genes such as p53 and Rb and in particular Rb. Examples of tumour expressor genes which may be expressed, and conditions they may be used to treat, include RB1 (retinoblastoma susceptibility gene), WT1 (Wilm's tumour gene), NF1 (neurofibromatosis type 1 gene), NF2 (neurofibromatosis type 2 gene), DCC (colorectal cancer), and BRCA1 and BRCA2 (breast cancer)

Constructs for use in accordance with the invention to treat lung cancer may rely on the hCEFI to direct expression in the lungs of various therapeutic agents previously proposed for treatment of cancers, including, for example, preferably prodrug-converting enzymes. By prodrug-converting enzyme will be understood a gene product which activates a compound with little or no cytotoxicity into a toxic product. Various prodrug activation strategies have previously been proposed for cancer treatment (see, for example, Published International Application no. WO 95/07994 and EP-B 0 702 084 of Chiron Corp.) and may be adopted by provision of a vector in accordance with the present invention together with the appropriate prodrug and in particular in the lung. Thus, for example, a vector for use in lung cancer therapy may preferably be constructed such that a hCEFI thereof directs expression of a viral thymidine kinase, e.g. Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase. For prodrug-activation therapy, such an enzyme is employed together with a purine or pyrimidine analogue, e.g. ganciclovir, which is phosphorylated by the viral thymidine kinase to a toxic triphosphate form. Examples of other prodrug-converting enzymes which may be advantageously expressed from a hCEFI promoter in the lungs for prodrug activation therapy of cancer and in particular lung cancer include:

-   -   cytosine deaminase which converts the prodrug 5-fluorocytosine         into the toxic compound 5-fluorouracil (Mullen, Proc. Natl.         Acad. Sci. USA (1992) 89, 33; see also Efficacy of         adenovirus-mediated CD/5-FC and HSV-1 thymidine         kinase/ganciclovir sucide gene therapies concomitant with p53         gene therapy, Xie et al., Clinical-Cancer Res. (1999) 5,         4224-4232);     -   carboxypeptidase G2 which will cleave the glutamic acid from         para-N-bis (2-chloroethyl) aminobenzoyl glutamic acid thereby         creating a toxic benzoic acid mustard;     -   Penicillin-V amidase which will convert phenoxyacetabide         derivatives of doxorubicin and melphalan to toxic compounds         (Vrudhula et al., J. Med. Chem. (1993) 36, 919-923; Kern et al.,         Canc. Immun. Immunother. (1990) 31, 202-206);     -   Platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor/thymidine         phosphorylase (PD-ECGF/TP) which converts the prodrug         5′-deoxy-5-fluorouracil (Furtulon) to 5-fluorouracil and         5′-deoxy-D-ribose-1-phosphate (see, for example, Thymidine         phosphorylase activity and prodrug effects in a         three-dimensional model of angiogenesis; implications for the         treatment of ovarian cancer, Stevens et al., Am. J.         Pathol. (1998) 153, 1573-1578); and     -   E. coli nitroreductase which has been utilized with the prodrug         CB1954 (The nitroreductase/CB1954 combination in Epstein-Barr         virus-positive B-cell lines: induction of bystander killing in         vitro and in vivo, Westphal et al., Cancer-Gene-Therapy         (January 2000) 7, 97-106).

In other preferred embodiments, constructs for treating cancer may encode cytotoxic gene products and/or prodrugs including combinations of HSVtk/GCV and CD/5-FC or indeed one of each combination may be expressed from a construct of the invention. Metastases could, for instance, be treated with constructs encoding IL-12, FAS to modulate host gene expression or cytotoxic gene product/pro-drug combinations. Again, one of the combination may, in some instances, be administered itself in combination with a construct of the invention expressing the other member of the combination. In some instances, a construct of the invention may express a ribozyme, siRNA or an anti-sense RNA to repress gene expression in tumour cells and hence treat cancer. In a preferred instance, any such elements to treat cancer may be used to treat lung cancer.

In a further aspect of the invention, the construct may express a polypeptide to treat a muscle condition and in particular a muscular dystrophy. Constructs of the invention may therefore be administered so that they express dystrophin, mini-dystrophin or utrophin genes and particularly in skeletal muscle to treat such conditions. Fragments and functional variants may be employed.

The constructs of the invention may also be used to express angiogenic factors. Angiogenic factors which may be expressed include Angiogenin, Angiopoietin-1, Del-1, Fibroblast growth factors including acidic (aFGF) and basic (bFGF) Follistatin, Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/scatter factor (SF), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Leptin, Midkine, Placental growth factor, Platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF), Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), Pleiotrophin (PTN), Progranulin, Proliferin, Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and vascular permeability factor (VPF). Particularly referred angiogenic factors include fibroblast growth factor (FGF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Angiogenic factors may be used to treat any conditions where it is desired to stimulate blood vessel growth. Examples of such conditions include coronary artery disease, stroke, and delayed wound healing.

The constructs of the invention may also be used to express anti-angiogenic factors. Examples of antiangiogenic factors include Angioarrestin, Angiostatin (plasminogen fragment), Antiangiogenic antithrombin III, Cartilage-derived inhibitor (CDI), CD59 complement fragment, Endostatin (collagen XVIII fragment), Fibronectin fragment, Gro-beta, Heparinases, Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), Interferon alpha/beta/gamma, Interferon inducible protein (IP-10), Interleukin-12, Kringle 5 (plasminogen fragment), Metalloproteinase inhibitors (TIMPs), Placental ribonuclease inhibitor, Plasminogen activator inhibitor Platelet factor-4 (PF4), Prolactin 16 kD fragment, Proliferin-related protein (PRP) Retinoids, Tetrahydrocortisol-S, Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), Vasculostatin and Vasostatin (calreticulin fragment).

Constructs of the invention may be used in the treatment of excessive angiogenesis. Examples of conditions that may therefore be treated with such constructs include cancer, diabetic blindness, age-related macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.

In another particularly preferred instance of the invention, constructs may be used to express sequences in epithelium and in particular eye epithelium. Thus, constructs of the invention may be used to treat macular degeneration (AMD) and hence the invention provides constructs expressing pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) to alter cell growth and also constructs which express vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor.

In one instance, the construct may express Factor VIIa, factor VIII, factor IX, glucocerebrosidase, alpha-galactosidase, acid alpha-glucosidase, alpha-n-acetylgalactosaminidase, acid sphingomyelinase, alpha-iduronidase, dystrophin or alpha-1-antitrypsin.

In one instance, the coding sequences expressed via the hCEFI may encode an antigen, immunogenic fragment thereof or immunogenic variant of either. The antigen may in particular be a viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal pathogen antigen or a tumour antigen. The antigen may be an allergen antigen. In one preferred instance, the antigen is a viral antigen, an immunogenic fragment thereof or an immunogenic variant of either.

In embodiments where the intention is to elicit an immune response against an antigen, a construct, or its element or elements, may not have been modified to remove CpG dinucleotides in one instance. In an alternative instance, they may have been. The hCEFI promoter gives strong and sustained expression and hence will be useful in eliciting an immune response.

Thus, the present invention also provides a vaccine comprising a construct of the invention encoding an antigen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. The invention also provides a method of vaccination or immunisation comprising administrating a construct of the invention. Such methods will preferably result in a protective immune response against the pathogen which the antigen is designed to give an immune response against. In the case of allergens and autoantigens administration may intentionally result in tolerance.

Subsequent immunisations or vaccinations may be used to boost the immune response seen. Immunogenic fragments and immunogenic variants of specific antigens may be expressed.

In one preferred embodiment a construct of the invention may encode a polypeptide for treating or preventing a cancer. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a construct of the invention may encode a tumour antigen, an immunogenic fragment thereof or an immunogenic variant of either. Examples of tumour associated antigens include, but are not limited to, cancer-testes antigens such as members of the MAGE family (MAGE 1, 2, 3 etc), NY-ESO-1 and SSX-2, differentiation antigens such as tyrosinase, gp100, PSA, Her-2 and CEA, mutated self antigens and viral tumour antigens such as E6 and/or E7 from oncogenic HPV types. Further examples of particular tumour antigens include MART-1, Melan-A, p97, beta-HCG, GaINAc, MAGE-1, MAGE-2, MAGE-4, MAGE-12, MUC1, MUC2, MUC3, MUC4, MUC18, CEA, DDC, P1A, EpCam, melanoma antigen gp75, Hker 8, high molecular weight melanoma antigen, K19, Tyr1, Tyr2, members of the pMel 17 gene family, c-Met, PSM (prostate mucin antigen), PSMA (prostate specific membrane antigen), prostate secretary protein, alpha-fetoprotein, CA125, CA19.9, TAG-72, BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 antigen.

Examples of particular cancers that the antigen may be derived include those from cancers of the lung, prostate, breast, colon, ovary, testes, bowel, melanoma, a lymphoma and a leukaemia. The constructs of the invention may also be used to treat or prevent such cancers.

The construct may encode an antigen for the treatment or prevention of a number of conditions including but not limited to cancer, allergies, toxicity and infection by a pathogen such as, but not limited to, a fungus, a virus including Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), HIV, HSV2/HSV1, influenza virus (types A, B and C), Polio virus, RSV virus, Rhinoviruses, Rotaviruses, Hepatitis A virus, Norwalk Virus Group, Enteroviruses, Astroviruses, Measles virus, Para Influenza virus, Mumps virus, Varicella-Zoster virus, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Adenoviruses, Rubella virus, Human T-cell Lymphoma type I virus (HTLV-I), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Hepatitis D virus, Pox virus, Marburg and Ebola; a bacterium including M. tuberculosis, Chlamydia, N. gonorrhoeae, Shigella, Salmonella, Vibrio Cholera, Treponema pallidua, Pseudomonas, Bordetella pertussis, Brucella, Franciscella tulorensis, Helicobacter pylori, Leptospria interrogaus, Legionella pnumophila, Yersinia pestis, Streptococcus (types A and B), Pneumococcus, Meningococcus, Hemophilus influenza (type b), Toxoplama gondii, Complybacteriosis, Moraxella catarrhalis, Donovanosis, and Actinomycosis; fungal pathogens including Candidiasis and Aspergillosis; parasitic pathogens including Taenia, Flukes, Roundworms, Amebiasis, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidium, Schitosoma, Pneumocystis carinii, Trichomoniasis and Trichinosis.

The nucleic acid my also be used to provide a suitable immune response against numerous veterinary diseases, such as Foot and Mouth diseases, Coronavirus, Pasteurella multocida, Helicobacter, Strongylus vulgaris, Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia, Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis and Bordetella brochiseptica.

In one instance a nucleic acid construct of the invention may encode an antigen from a member of the adenoviridae (including for instance a human adenovirus), herpesviridae (including for instance HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV, CMV and VZV), papovaviridae (including for instance HPV), poxyiridae (including for instance smallpox and vaccinia), parvoviridae (including for instance parvovirus B 19), reoviridae (including for instance a rotavirus), coronaviridae (including for instance SARS), flaviviridae (including for instance yellow fever, West Nile virus, dengue, hepatitis C and tick-borne encephalitis), picornaviridae (including polio, rhinovirus, and hepatitis A), togaviridae (including for instance rubella virus), filoviridae (including for instance Marburg and Ebola), paramyxoviridae (including for instance a parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncitial virus, mumps and measles), rhabdoviridae (including for instance rabies virus), bunyaviridae (including for instance Hantaan virus), orthomyxoviridae (including for instance influenza A, B and C viruses), retroviridae (including for instance HIV and HTLV) and hepadnaviridae (including for instance hepatitis B). In a further preferred instance the antigen may be from a pathogen responsible for a veterinary disease and in particular may be from a viral pathogen, including, for instance, a Reovirus (such as African Horse sickness or Bluetongue virus) and Herpes viruses (including equine herpes). The antigen may be one from Foot and Mouth Disease virus. In a further preferred instance the antigen may be from a Tick borne encephalitis virus, dengue virus, SARS, West Nile virus and Hantaan virus.

The antigen may be a fungal antigen, such as a Candida or Aspergillus antigen. In particular, it may be from Candida albicans or Aspergillus fumigatus. The antigen may be from Sporothrix (e.g from Sporothrix schenckii), Histoplasma (e.g. from Histoplasma capsulatum) Cryptococcus (e.g. from Cryptococcus neoformans) or Pneumocystis (e.g. from Pneumocystis carinii). The antigen may be from a parasitic pathogen and may, in particular, be from Taenia, Flukes, Roundworms, Amebiasis, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidium, Schistosoma, Pneumocystis carinii, Trichomoniasis and Trichinosis.

In some cases the antigen may be an antigen from a prion. In particular, the antigen may be one from the causative agent of kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), scrapie, transmissible mink encephalopathy and chronic wasting diseases, or from a prion associated with a spongiform encephalopathy, particularly BSE. The antigen may be from the prion responsible for familial fatal insomnia.

In some cases the antigen may be from a parasitic pathogens including, for example, one from the genera Plasmodium, Chlamydia, Trypanosome, Giardia, Boophilus, Babesia, Entamoeba, Eimeria, Leishmania, Schistosome, Brugia, Fascida, Dirofilaria, Wuchereria and Onchocerea. Examples of preferred antigens from parasitic pathogens to be expressed as the heterologous antigen include the circumsporozoite antigens of Plasmodium species, such as the circumsporozoite antigen of P. bergerii or the circumsporozoite antigen of P. falciparum; the merozoite surface antigen of Plasmodium species; the galactose specific lectin of Entamoeba histolytica; gp63 of Leishmania species; paramyosin of Brugia malayi; the triose-phosphate isomerase of Schistosoma mansoni; the secreted globin-like protein of Trichostrongylus colubriformis; the glutathione-S-transferases of Frasciola hepatica, Schistosoma bovis and S. japonicum; and KLH of Schistosoma bovis and S. japonicum.

The antigen may be an auto-antigen. In particular, the antigen may an antigen associated with an autoimmune disease. Auto-antigens include those associated with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. The antigen may be one associated with, Sjorgrens syndrome, myotis, scleroderma or Raynaud's syndrome. Further examples of auto-immune disorders that the antigen may be associated with include ulcerative colitis, Crohns' disease, inflammatory bowel disorder, autoimmune liver disease, or autoimmune thyroiditis. Examples of specific autoantigens include insulin, glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65), heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin oligodendrocyte protein (MOG), proteolipid protein (PLP), and collagen type II. In cases where the antigen is an autoantigen the antigen will typically be administered in order to promote tolerance to the auto-antigen. Although in some cases models of the diseases may be produced using constructs of the invention to be produce an immune response.

In some cases the antigen may be an allergen. The allergenic antigen may be any suitable antigen from an antigen. For example, the allergen may be from Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Ambrosia trifida, Artemisia vulgaris, Helianthus annuus, Mercurialis annua, Chenopodium album, Salsola kali, Parietaria judaica, Parietaria officinalis, Cynodon dactylon, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca pratensis, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Phalaris aquatica, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis or Sorghum halepense. The allergen antigen may be from a tree, such as, for example, from Phoenix dactylifera, Betula verrucosa, Carpinus betulus, Castanea sativa, Corylus avellana, Quercus alba, Fraxinus excelsior, Ligustrum vulgare, Olea europea, Syringa vulgaris, Plantago lanceolata, Cryptomeria japonica, Cupressus arizonica, Juniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus virginiana, or Juniperus sabinoides. In some cases the antigen may be from an antigen from a mite such as, for example, from Acarus siro, Blomia tropicalis, Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides microceras, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Euroglyphus maynei, Glycyphagus domesticus, Lepidoglyphus destructor or Tyrophagus putrescentiae.

The allergen antigen may be from an animal such as, for example, from a domestic or agricultural animal. Examples of allergens from animals include those from cattle, horses, dogs, cats and rodents (e.g from rat, mouse, hamster, or guinea pig). In some cases the antigen may be from a food allergen and in others it may be from insect.

In another preferred case the antigen may be from a retroviradae (e.g. HTLV-I; HTLV-11; or HIV-1 (also known as HTLV-111, LAV, ARV, hTLR, etc.)). In particular from HIV and in particular the isolates HIVIllb, HIVSF2, HTVLAV, HIVLAI, HIVMN; HIV-1CM235, HIV-1; or HIV-2. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the antigen may be a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigen. Examples of preferred HIV antigens include, for example, gp120, gp 160 gp41, gag antigens such as p24gag and p55gag, as well as proteins derived from the po1, env, tat, vif, rev, nef, vpr, vpu or LTR regions of HIV. In a particularly preferred case the antigen may be HIV gp120 or a portion of HIV gp120. The antigen may be from an immunodeficiency virus, and may, for example, be from SIV or a feline immunodeficiency virus.

The antigen may be a model antigen. The antigen may be one commonly used in experiments to assess immune responses. For example the antigen may be a lysozyme and in particular chicken egg lysozyme. The antigen may be ovalbumin and in particular chicken ovalbumin.

Thus, the encoded polypeptide may be an antigen, an immunogenic fragment thereof or an immunogenic variant thereof and in particular any of the antigens mentioned herein, immunogenic fragments thereof or immunogenic variants of either. The fragment or variant may, for instance, have any of the levels of homology, proportion of the length of the original antigen, and functionality specified herein and in particular ability to give rise to an immune response.

In one instance a construct of the invention uses the hCEFI promoter to express an influenza antigen, an immunogenic fragment thereof or an immunogenic variant of either. The fragment and/or variant may have any of the levels of sequence homology, fragment lengths and/or levels of functionality specified herein. In particular, preferably a coding sequence of the construct encodes an influenza virus antigen, an immunogenic fragment of an influenza virus antigen or an immunogenic variant with 80% amino acid homology to any of the preceding or indeed with any of the levels of sequence identity specified herein.

For instance the influenza antigen may be an influenza NP (nucleoprotein/nucleocapsid protein), HA (hemagglutinin), NA (neuraminidase), M1, M2, PB1, PB2, PA, NS1 and/or NS2 antigens or may be a fragment or variant of such antigens. In a preferred embodiment the encoded antigen may be HA, NA and/or M2 influenza antigen or a fragment or a variant of such antigens. In an especially preferred instance, the encoded antigen may be an HA or an NA antigen or a fragment or variant of such antigens and in particular an HA antigen or a fragment or variant of such an antigen.

In one preferred embodiment the antigen may be from the H5N1 strain of influenza and immunogenic fragments thereof and variants of either which retain immunogenicity may be employed. In particular, the antigen may be one from the H5N1 strain or a fragment of such an antigen. Variants, for instance, with one, two, three, four, five or more amino acid changes may be employed as may variants with any of the levels of sequence identity, length and other features specified herein. Similarly fragments may have any of the levels of length and other parameters specified herein.

The influenza antigen may be from any influenza virus. The antigen may be from influenza virus A, B or C, in particular from influenza A and/or B. The antigen may, for instance, be from one of the strains identified annually by the World Health Organisation to be used in influenza vaccines and in particular may be an antigen identified by the WHO for such use.

Among the preferred therapeutic genes for delivery to cells, and hence for expression using constructs of the invention are the hematopoietic factors, including Factor VIIa [U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,950]; Factor VIII [U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,965,199; 4,868,112 [Bdomain deleted] and U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,008]; and Factor IX [U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,371]. Other preferred genes are those encoding lysosomal storage enzymes, including genes encoding glucocerebrosidase [Gaucher disease; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,879,680; 5,236,838]; alpha-galactosidase [Fabry disease; U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,650]; acid alpha-glucosidase [Pompe disease; WO00/12740]; alphanacetylgalactosaminidase [Schindler disease; U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,524]; acid sphingomyelinase [NiemannPick disease; U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,240]; alpha-iduronidase [WO9310244A1]. Other preferred genes include the genes for, dystrophin, insulin and alpha-1-antitrypsin.

In some instances, the constructs of the invention may be used to express sequences in cells, tissues or organs directly affected by a condition. For instance, in Cystic Fibrosis, the constructs of the invention may be used to express CFTR in the cells of the lung to correct the organ most affected by the condition. In muscular dystrophy, the therapeutic gene may be expressed, for instance in skeletal muscle. In other instances, the intention may be to express sequences in one tissue so that the expressed polypeptide can be released and act on another tissue. Thus, in some instances, a particular cell type or tissue may be used as a factory for producing desired polypeptides. Preferred instances include using the lung, liver and/or muscle to produce proteins and in particular to secrete the polypeptides they produce. Examples include the production of clotting factors for haemophilia, metabolic enzymes for lysosomal storage defects, insulin for diabetes, alpha-1-antitrypsin for emphysema. Such an approach may be used for any of the conditions mentioned herein wherein the polypeptide does not have to be expressed directly in the target tissue or it is desired for the chosen polypeptide to enter systems such as the blood system so that the polypeptide is carried throughout the body.

In a further instance of the invention, the invention provides constructs expressing non-therapeutic polypeptides. In one instance, such constructs may be used to produce particular desired polypeptides in in vitro systems or alternatively in non-human animals.

Constructs of the invention may be used to express sequences in agricultural animals including any of those mentioned herein. Such expressed sequences may be therapeutic or non-therapeutic. Constructs of the invention may be used to express any of the gene products mentioned herein for treating diseases in animals. The polypeptides expressed may include appropriate sequences so that they are secreted into the blood or milk to facilitate harvest.

Constructs of the invention may be used to express polypeptides that enhance the value of agricultural animals. For instance, they may be used to express constructs that result in enhanced meat yield in animals used for their meat. For instance, a construct of the invention may be used to express hormones and in particular growth hormone, particularly to enhance meat yield. A construct of the invention may be used to express somatotropin. In a particularly preferred instance, a construct of the invention may be employed to express a somatropin to increase milk yield, particularly in animals such as cows and goats and in particular dairy cows and somatotropin may be employed, particularly the bovine protein, functional fragments thereof or functional variants of either.

For all of the expressed sequences referred to herein functional fragments of the specific sequences referred to may be employed as may functional variants of either. For instance, in the case of therapeutic polypeptides, as long as the fragment or variants retain some therapeutic benefit they may be employed and the degree of functionality may be any of those specified herein.

In some embodiments of the invention the hCEFI promoter may be used to express more than one polypeptide. Thus, in some cases a transcribed sequence may give rise to multiple polypeptides, for instance a transcript may contain multiple open reading frames (ORFs) and also one or more Internal Ribosome Entry Sites (IRES) to allow translation of ORFs after the first ORF. A transcript may be translated to give a polypeptide which is subsequently cleaved to give a plurality of polypeptides. In some cases a nucleic acid construct of the invention may comprise multiple hCEFI promoters and hence give rise to a plurality of transcripts and hence a plurality of polypeptides. Constructs may, for instance, express one, two, three, four or more polypeptides via a hCEFI promoter or promoters.

In an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention the hCEFI promoter may be used to express the CFTR polypeptide and hence the construct may be used to treat cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited condition affecting approximately one in every 2000 Caucasians. The condition is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene which encodes a cAMP-regulated chloride channel expressed on the surface of epithelial cells [Riordan, J. R., et al., Science, 1989. 245(4922): p. 1066-73]. The CFTR chloride channel has an important role in regulating the transepithelial transport of salt and water. Abnormality or absence of CFTR can result in disease in many organs of the body, but the major cause of morbidity and mortality in CF is lung disease [Pilewski, J. M. and R. A. Frizzell, Physiol Rev, 1999. 79(1 Suppl): p. S215-55]. Defective chloride secretion and elevated sodium absorption in the airways results in the development of thick mucus secretions in the lung and subsequent, chronic bacterial infection. Despite advances in treatment, this condition still leads to an untimely death, often in early adult life [Pilewski et al 1999 supra]. Transfer of a wild-type CFTR gene to proximal bronchial epithelial and submucosal gland cells is predicted to correct the chloride channel defect in CF [Drumm, M. L., et al., Cell, 1990. 62(6): p. 1227-33 and Hyde, S. C., et al., Nature, 1993. 362(6417): p. 250-5]. The constructs of the invention may be used to achieve expression in such tissues and in particular in such tissues in cystic fibrosis. The constructs may be delivered via any appropriate means to achieve delivery to such tissues.

Prior clinical trials evaluating CFTR gene delivery mediated by adenoviral vectors manifested limiting toxicities at pulmonary doses just sufficient to detect low levels of CFTR expression [Crystal, R. G., et al., Nat Genet, 1994. 8(1): p. 42-51; Knowles, M. R., et al., N Engl J Med, 1995. 333(13): p. 823-31; Wilmott, R. W., et al., Hum Gene Ther, 1996. 7(3): p. 301-18; and Zabner, J., et al., J Clin Invest, 1996. 97(6): p. 1504-11;]. Similar studies evaluating adeno-associated viral vectors have not shown toxicities, but the level of CFTR functional reconstitution has been modest [Conrad, C. K., et al., Gene Ther, 1996. 3(8): p. 658-68, Aitken, M. L., et al., Hum Gene Ther, 2001. 12(15): p. 1907-16, Wagner, J. A., et al., Hum Gene Ther, 2002. 13(11): p. 1349-59, Flotte, T. R., et al., Hum Gene Ther, 2003. 14(11): p. 1079-88]. Importantly, administration of either viral vector leads to the generation of neutralizing antibodies that abolish the efficacy of subsequent administrations [Zabner et al., 1996, supra, Harvey, B. G., et al., J Clin Invest, 1999. 104(9): p. 1245-55, Sun, J. Y., et al., Gene Ther, 2003. 10(11): p. 964-76, Moss, R. B., et al., Chest, 2004. 125(2): p. 509-21].

Constructs of the present invention expressing CFTR may be used to address the problems seen in prior art trials of genetic treatment for CF. In particular, as the invention provides constructs with minimal, or no, CpG dinucleotide content, flu like symptoms and inflammation resulting from such sequences has been minimised or eliminated. Furthermore, the hCEFI promoter of the present invention displays high-level and sustained expression. This means that therapy employing the constructs of the invention will have a prolonged effect. This may mean that the therapy has to be administered less often, which is important for genetic conditions in particular where the underlying genetic defect means that a condition has to be continuously treated. This may be particularly important for conditions such as cystic fibrosis where prolonged expression of CFTR will help restore lung function for more time. Thus, in an especially preferred instance, a construct of the invention may be used in the treatment of a genetic condition, in particular any of those mentioned herein and especially cystic fibrosis.

Subjects

In one aspect, the constructs of the invention may be administered to a subject. In a preferred instance, the constructs are administered to a mammal. In one preferred instance the subject is human and in particular the subject may be human where it is intended to treat a disease condition, particularly any of those mentioned herein.

In a further aspect, the subject may be non-human. In particular, the constructs of the invention may be administered to a non-human animal and preferably a non-human mammal. Such subjects may be suffering from any of the conditions mentioned herein. The constructs may, for instance, be administered to non-human domestic animals or an agriculturally important animal. For instance, the subjects may be cattle, pigs, horses, sheep or goats, they may be sports animals such as horses and dogs. The animal may be a domestic pet such as a dog or cat. The animal may be a monkey such as a non-human primate such as a chimpanzee, gorilla or orangutan. The subject may be a rabbit.

The constructs of the invention may be administered to avian subjects. Thus, for instance, the constructs may be administered to domestic, wild and game birds such as chickens, turkeys and other gallinaceous birds, ducks, and geese including such animals used for meat.

In a further preferred instance, the constructs of the invention may be administered to rodents. Examples of rodents include mice, rats, guinea pigs and hamsters and in particular mice and rats and especially mice. Constructs may be administered to such animals to assess their efficacy. They may be so administered to assess functionality of particular elements in the construct and also the construct as a whole. In one instance of the invention, a construct of the invention may be administered to an animal model of any of the conditions mentioned herein, including genetic and induced models. For instance, the constructs may be administered to knock-out and transgenic mouse models of any of the conditions mentioned herein and in one particularly preferred aspect knock-out or transgenic mouse models of CF may be administered with a construct of the invention and any reversal in the phenotype monitored.

The term subject does not denote a particular age. Thus, both adult and newborn individuals are intended to be covered. In one embodiment the subject is susceptible to or at risk from the relevant disease. In a further preferred embodiment, the subject has one of the disease conditions mentioned herein. The subject may have a genetic defect that the administration of the construct is designed to rectify and in particular any of the disease conditions referred to herein.

Formulation & Administration

In respect of introduction of a construct of the invention into cells, tissues or organs in vitro suitable methods for delivery of nucleic acids to such cells are known in the art and include, for example, dextran mediated transfection, calcium phosphate precipitation, electroporation and direct microinjection into nucleii. Thus, the invention provides a cell transformed with a construct of the invention. The invention provides a cell comprising a construct of the invention. In one instance, the present invention provides an isolated cell or population of cells comprising a construct of the invention. The present invention provides such cells in vitro. Cells of the present invention may be provided in frozen form for storage in some instances.

The constructs of the invention may be provided in any suitable form for administration to a subject. For instance, they may be in the form of naked DNA or complexed with one or more cationic amphiphiles, e.g. one or more cationic lipids (also called DNA/liposomes, plasmidDNA/liposomes or lipoplex). The constructs may be delivered either directly to a subject, or alternatively, delivered ex vivo to cells derived from the subject whereafter the cells are reimplanted in the subject. In a preferred instance, the constructs are delivered directly to the subject.

Any suitable delivery route may be used in the administration of the constructs of the invention. The constructs may be administered by enteral or parenteral routes such as via oral, buccal, anal, pulmonary, intravenous, intra-arterial, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, topical, via inhalation, via aerosols, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intranasally or transmucosally. The constructs may be administered by needleless injection. Thus, the invention also provides carrier particles for needleless injection coated with a construct of the invention and needleless injection devices loaded with such coated carrier particles.

Preferably the constructs of the invention may be administered via inhalation and/or intra-nasally. Thus they may be delivered via the nose and/or mouth. Suitable methods for formulating and preparing medicaments to be administered via inhalation, installation and intranasally are well known in the art and may be employed in the present invention. Intranasal administration may, in some instances, be in the form of a fine powder or aerosol nasal spray or in particular cases in the form of modified Dischaler® or Turbohaler®. The constructs may also be administered via installation. In a preferred embodiment, the medicaments of the invention are suitable for administration by inhalation. For inhalation therapy the medicament may, for instance, be in a solution useful for administration by liquid aerosol, metered dose inhalers, or in a form suitable for a dry powder inhaler. The medicament may be present in a blister pack or breakable capsule.

In some preferred embodiments, the medicaments of the present invention may be formulated as aerosols. The formulation of pharmaceutical aerosols is routine to those skilled in the art, see for example, Sciarra, J. in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (supra). The agents may be formulated as solution aerosols, dispersion or suspension aerosols of dry powders, emulsions or semisolid preparations. The aerosol may be delivered using any propellant system known to those skilled in the art. The aerosols may be applied to the upper respiratory tract, for example by nasal inhalation, or to the lower respiratory tract or to both. The part of the lung that the medicament is delivered to may be determined by the disorder. In one particularly preferred embodiment, delivery may be to, or achieve expression in, proximal bronchial epithelial and/or submucosal gland cells.

In some embodiments, and in particular where intranasal delivery is to be used, the medicaments may comprise a humectant. This may help reduce or prevent drying of the mucus membrane and to prevent irritation of the membranes. Suitable humectants include, for instance, sorbitol, mineral oil, vegetable oil and glycerol; soothing agents; membrane conditioners; sweeteners; and combinations thereof. The medicaments may comprise a surfactant. Suitable surfactants include non-ionic, anionic and cationic surfactants. Examples of surfactants that may be used include, for example, polyoxyethylene derivatives of fatty acid partial esters of sorbitol anhydrides, such as for example, Tween 80, Polyoxyl 40 Stearate, Polyoxy ethylene 50 Stearate, fusieates, bile salts and Octoxynol.

The medicaments of the present invention may, for instance, be delivered by any device adapted to introduce one or more therapeutic compositions into the upper and/or lower respiratory tract. In some preferred embodiments, the devices of the present invention may be metered-dose inhalers. The devices may be adapted to deliver the therapeutic compositions of the invention in the form of a finely dispersed mist of liquid, foam or powder. The device may use a piezoelectric effect or ultrasonic vibration to dislodge powder attached on a surface such as a tape in order to generate mist suitable for inhalation. The devices may use any propellant system known to those in the art including, but not limited to, pumps, liquefied-gas, compressed gas and the like.

Devices of the present invention typically comprise a container with one or more valves through which the flow of the therapeutic composition travels and an actuator for controlling the flow. Suitable devices for use in the present invention may be seen, for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (supra). The devices suitable for administering the constructs of the invention include inhalers and nebulisers such as those typically used to deliver steroids to asthmatics. In some cases, where the subject is for example a child, a spacer may be used to facilitate effective administration from the inhaler.

Various designs of inhalers are available commercially and may be employed to deliver the medicaments of the invention. These include the Accuhaler, Aerohaler, Aerolizer, Airmax, Autohaler, Clickhaler, Diskhaler, Easi-breathe inhaler, Fisonair, Integra, Jet inhaler, Miat-haler, Novolizer inhaler, Pulvinal inhaler, Rotahaler, Spacehaler, Spinhaler, Syncroner inhaler and Turbohaler devices.

A construct for use in accordance with the invention will generally be administered via the airways, e.g. into the nasal cavity, trachea or lungs, but in some instances intravenous delivery to lung tissue may be permissible. For example, intravenous delivery of a construct in accordance with the invention to treat lung cancer may be preferred where the tumour(s) are readily accessible from the lung capillary bed. Various means of targeting recombinant constructs for tissue specific or tumour specific delivery of therapeutic agents have previously been described which may be applied to the constructs of the invention. Vectors for use in accordance with the invention may be delivered into the airways by, for example, means of a feeding catheter introduced into the nasal cavity or by means of a bronchoscope. Delivery for therapy in accordance with the invention may however more preferably be by means of a nebuliser or other aerosolisation device provided the integrity of the vector is maintained.

In embodiments where it is desired to administer the medicaments to, or via, the respiratory tract the particle size of the medicament may be chosen on basis of the desired part of the respiratory tract which it is desired to administer the medicament to.

The medicaments of the invention may take a variety of forms. In cases where they are to be administered via the respiratory tract they may be in the form of powders, powder microspheres, solutions, suspensions, gels, nano-particle suspensions, liposomes, emulsions or microemulsions. The liquids present may be water or other suitable solvents such as a CFC or HFA. In the case of solutions and suspensions these may be aqueous or involve solutions other than water.

In a particularly preferred instance, constructs of the invention are administered to the lung and in particular to the airways of the lung. In an especially preferred instance, delivery to the airways may be via the use of liposomes. In particular, the construct may be complexed with a cationic lipid based gene transfer formulation and in particular with GL67 or with PEI.

The constructs of the invention may be formulated as pharmaceutical preparations. This can be done using standard pharmaceutical formulation chemistries and methodologies, which are available to those skilled in the art. For example, compositions containing one or more constructs can be combined with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or vehicles to provide a pharmaceutical composition. Thus, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a construct of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and excipient.

Auxiliary substances, such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering substances and the like, may be present in the excipient or vehicle. These excipients, vehicles and auxiliary substances are generally pharmaceutical agents which may be administered without undue toxicity and which, in the case of vaccine compositions will not induce an immune response in the individual receiving the composition. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients include, but are not limited to, liquids such as water, saline, polyethyleneglycol, hyaluronic acid, glycerol and ethanol. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can also be included therein, for example, mineral acid salts such as hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, phosphates, sulfates, and the like; and the salts of organic acids such as acetates, propionates, malonates, benzoates, and the like. It is also preferred, although not required, that the preparation will contain a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient that serves as a stabilizer, particularly for peptide, protein or other like molecules if they are to be included in the composition. Examples of suitable carriers that also act as stabilizers include, without limitation, pharmaceutical grades of dextrose, sucrose, lactose, trehalose, mannitol, sorbitol, inositol, dextran, and the like. Other suitable carriers include, again without limitation, starch, cellulose, sodium or calcium phosphates, citric acid, tartaric acid, glycine, high molecular weight polyethylene glycols (PEGs), and combinations thereof. A thorough discussion of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, vehicles and auxiliary substances is available in REMINGTON′S PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES (Mack Pub. Co., N.J. 1991), incorporated herein by reference.

Certain facilitators of nucleic acid uptake and/or expression (“transfection facilitating agents”) can also be included in the compositions, for example, facilitators such as bupivacaine, cardiotoxin and sucrose, and transfection facilitating vehicles such as liposomal or lipid preparations that are routinely used to deliver nucleic acid molecules. Anionic and neutral liposomes are widely available and well known for delivering nucleic acid molecules (see, e.g., Liposomes: A Practical Approach, (1990) RPC New Ed., IRL Press). Cationic lipid preparations are also well known vehicles for use in delivery of nucleic acid molecules. Suitable lipid preparations include DOTMA (N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride), available under the tradename Lipofectin™, and DOTAP (1,2-bis(oleyloxy)-3-(trimethylammonio)propane), see, e.g., Felgner et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:7413-7416; Malone et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:6077-6081; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,283,185 and 5,527,928, and International Publication Nos WO 90/11092, WO 91/15501 and WO 95/26356. These cationic lipids may preferably be used in association with a neutral lipid, for example DOPE (dioleyl phosphatidylethanolamine). Still further transfection-facilitating compositions that can be added to the above lipid or liposome preparations include spermine derivatives (see, e.g., International Publication No. WO 93/18759) and membrane-permeabilizing compounds such as GALA, Gramicidine S and cationic bile salts (see, e.g., International Publication No. WO 93/19768).

In an especially preferred embodiment of the invention a construct may be administered using a cationic lipid. In particular cationic lipids comprising a spermine group and preferably a spermine group linked to a cholesterol anchor may be employed. In a preferred instance such agents may be employed with DOPE, particularly at 1:1 to 1:5 and preferably 1:1.5 to 1:2.5 and especially 1:2 molar ratios. One especially preferred formulation is to employ GL67 (Lee et al., 1996, Hum. Gen. Ther. 7:1701-1717). In a further preferred instance, cationic lipids comprising a spermine group may be used in conjunction with PEG-DMP-5000 and in particular GL-67 may be used in conjunction with such a formulation. In one instance, the molar ratios employed may be any of those mentioned in relation to DOPE. Eastman, et al. (1997) Hum Gene Ther 8(6): 765-73 describes the use of PEG-DMP-5000.

In one instance, GL-67, DOPE and DMPE-PEG-5000 may be formulated using the construct and in particular as described in Eastman et al and Lee et al and also described in the Examples. Thus, in one instance GL-67, DOPE and DMPE-PEG-5000 are formulated and, for instance, freeze dried for storage. The formulation may be then rehydrated and liposomes prepared by methods such as vortexing, constructs may be added by combining equal volumes of DNA and GL67 and in particular at a ratio of 0.25:1 or for, instance, at from 1:16 to 1:1, preferably from 1:8 to 1:1, more preferably from 1:5 to 1:1 molar ratios. For aerolisation, for instance, ratios of GL67 to plasmid 0.1:1 to 1:1, preferably 0.3:1 to 1:1 and in particular from 0.5:1 to 1:1 mM may be employed and in particular 0.75:1 mM may be employed.

In another especially preferred embodiment of the invention the construct of the invention may be delivered using polyethylenimine (PEI) (Boussif et al., 1995, PNAS 92:7297-301). In particular, 1 to 100 kd, preferably 10 to 50 kd, preferably 15 to 35 and in particular 19 to 31 kd PEI may be employed. Such PEIs may be branched or linear and in particular branched. In a preferred instance, 22 kd linear and 25 kd branched PEIs may be employed.

Alternatively, the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention may be encapsulated, adsorbed to, or associated with, particulate carriers. In particular, they may be provided on core carriers for needleless injection. Suitable particulate carriers include those derived from polymethyl methacrylate polymers, as well as PLG microparticles derived from poly(lactides) and poly(lactide-co-glycolides). See, e.g., Jeffery et al. (1993) Pharm. Res. 10:362-368. Other particulate systems and polymers can also be used, for example, polymers such as polylysine, polyarginine, polyornithine, spermine, spermidine, as well as conjugates of these molecules. In a preferred embodiment, constructs of the invention are precipitated onto carriers in the presence of a nucleic acid condensing agent and a metal ion chelating agent. Preferred condensing agents include cationic polymers, in particular polyamines, and in particular a polyargine or a polylysine. Metal core carriers and in particular gold core carriers may be employed for needleless injection.

The compositions are administered to a subject in an amount that is compatible with the dosage formulation and that will be prophylactically and/or therapeutically effective. An appropriate effective amount will fall in a relatively broad range but can be readily determined by one of skill in the art by routine trials. The “Physicians Desk Reference” and “Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics” are useful for the purpose of determining the amount needed. For example, it is generally expected that an effective dose of the polynucleotide will fall within a range of about from 0.001 μg to 1 g. In particular, doses of from 0.1 to 500 mg, preferably from 10 to 400 mg, more preferably from 25 to 350 mg, even more preferably from 35 to 300 mg may be administered. In some instances, a dose of about 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 250 mg or 300 mg may be given or a dose of within 25 mg of such doses. In a preferred instance, the doses may be applied for aerosol deliver. In the case of intravenous administration the dose may, for instance, be any of those mentioned and in particular may be in the range of 0.1 to 100 mg, preferably 0.5 to 25 mg and even more preferably from 5 to 10 mg.

In some cases after an initial administration a subsequent administration of the construct may be performed. The administration may, for instance, be at least a week, two weeks, a month, two months or six months after the initial administration. In some instances, constructs of the invention may be administered at least once a week, once a fortnight, once a month or at longer intervals. The constructs may, for instance, be administered at intervals dictated by when the effects of the previous administration are decreasing.

Any two entities of the invention may be administered separately, sequentially or simultaneously. Thus two constructs or more constructs, where at least one construct is a construct of the invention, may be administered separately, simultaneously or sequentially and in particular two or more constructs of the invention may be administered in such a manner. The two may be administered in the same or different compositions. In a preferred instance, the two constructs may be delivered in the same composition.

Pharmaceutical compostions comprising a construct of the invention and any of the other agents discussed herein are provided.

Medicaments and Methods

The invention also provides for the use of a construct of the invention in a method for treatment of the human or animal body by therapy. The method may be to treat, prevent or ameliorate any of the conditions mentioned herein. In one instance, the method may be a method of gene therapy. In another instance, the method may be a method of vaccination or immunisation. In one instance, the vaccination or immunisation is to treat, prevent or ameliorate an infection, an autoimmune condition, allergy or cancer.

The invention also provides for the use of a construct of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for use in treating a genetic disorder, chronic condition, cancer, allergy, autoimmunity, infection or a cancer. In a preferred instance, the invention provides for the manufacture of medicaments to treat any of the conditions mentioned herein. In a particularly preferred instance the disease to be treated is an airway disorder. In particular the airway disorder is selected from cystic fibrosis, asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), bronchitis, pulmonary oedema and lung cancer.

The invention also provides a method of treating a disorder comprising administering a construct of the invention in an effective amount to a subject suffering from such a disorder. Any of the conditions mentioned herein may be treated. The invention also provides agents comprising constructs of the invention and optionally any of the other integers specified herein for use in treating the conditions mentioned herein.

The present invention also provides a non-therapeutic method of expressing a sequence in a subject, the method comprising administering a construct of the invention encoding a non-therapeutic sequence for expression, wherein the hCEFI promoter is operably linked to a non-therapeutic sequence for expression.

The present invention also provides an in vitro or ex vivo method of expressing a gene in a cell, tissue or organ, the method comprising introducing a construct of the invention into said cells, tissue or organ.

Non-Human Animals & Cells

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a non-human animal or bird comprising a construct of the invention. The non-human animal may be any of those mentioned herein and in particular may be a rodent or an agriculturally important animal or bird such as, for instance, those mentioned herein.

Such non-human animals may be transgenics and hence may typically comprise the construct in all of the cells of their body. In other instances, the construct may only be present in, mainly be present in, or almost entirely be present in one of the tissues or cell types referred to herein.

In one embodiment, the invention therefore provides a transgenic animal comprising a construct of the invention. In addition, gene targeting may be used to introduce a promoter of the invention in a desired location of the genome of an animal.

Thus, the invention also provides a targeting construct comprising a promoter of the invention and typically at least two regions of homology with the genome of the intended animal to allow homologous recombination. The invention also provides isolated non-human stem cells and in particular embryonic stem cells comprising a promoter of the invention, particularly one introduced via gene targeting. In a further embodiment isolated human stem cells, including embryonic and non-embryonic and in particular non-embryonic stem cells are provided. Haematopoietic stem cells comprising a construct of the invention are provided.

The present invention also provides isolated cells comprising a construct of the invention and in particular from any of the tissues mentioned herein. In particular, liver and lung cells are provided. Cells types such as are mammalian HEK 293T, CHO, HeLa, BHK, 3T3 or COS cells are also provided which comprise promoters or constructs of the invention.

Below are examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention. The examples are offered for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

EXAMPLES Materials and Methods Mice

Female BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks were used throughout the current study. Mice were housed in accordance with UK Home Office ethical and welfare guidelines and fed on standard chow and water ad libitum and allowed to acclimatize for at least 7 days prior to procedures being performed.

Plasmid DNA

Plasmid DNA was prepared using the QIAGEN EndoFree Plasmid Purification kit (QIAGEN Ltd, Crawley, UK), or by a proprietary method by Aldevron Inc (Fargo, N. Dak., USA). In all cases levels of contaminating endotoxin were <5 EU (endotoxin units) per mg of DNA. DNA was maintained in endonuclease-free water (Promega UK Ltd, Southampton, UK) at −80° C.

Preparation of GL67/pDNA and PEI/pDNA for Instillation

Plasmid DNA was complexed with GL67 (GL67=formulation of GL67, DOPE, DMPE-PEG-5000 described by Eastman, et al. (1997) Hum Gene Ther 8(6): 765-73 as described (Lee, et al. (1996) Hum Gene Ther 7(14): 1701-17). Briefly, freeze dried GL67 (Genzyme, Massachusetts, USA) was hydrated to 1.21 mM with water for injection (WFI) (B. Braun Medical) and liposomes prepared by vortexing. Plasmid DNA and GL67 liposome complexes were prepared by combining equal volumes of DNA and GL67 solutions. Final formulations contained 80 μg plasmid DNA complexed with GL67 at a 0.25:1 molar ratio in 104/1 water for injection. 100 μl of the GL67/pDNA complexes was delivered by instillation into the mouse lung.

Alternatively, plasmid DNA was complexed with 25 kDa branched polyethylenimine (PEI) (Sigma, Missouri, USA) essentially as described (Densmore, et al. (2000). Mol Ther 1(2): 180-8). 4.3 mg/ml (0.1M of N) PEI solutions were prepared in PBS, filter sterilised and stored at 4° C. for no more than one month. To prepare PEI/pDNA at 10:1 N:P ratio, 25.8 μg of PEI was mixed with 20 μg pDNA to a total volume of 100 μl in WFI (0.2 mg/ml). 100 μl of the PEI/pDNA complexes was delivered into the mouse lung.

Instillation of Plasmid DNA into the Mouse Airways

Mice were anaesthetized by exposure to the volatile anaesthetic Metofane (methoxyflurane) (Mallinckrodt Veterinary Inc., Illinois, USA) until a balanced state of anaesthesia was achieved, as determined by a level of response to foot pad pinch. Plasmid DNA in either delivery formulation was delivered to lungs via the nose, while it was held vertically with closed mouth. A single continuous droplet was maintained by pipetting the dose volume with a Gilson P200 pipette (Gilson Inc., Middleton, Wis., USA), the liquid being taken up by the mouse under insufflation.

Preparation of GL67/pDNA and PEI/pDNA for Aerosolisation

For aerosolisation studies, GL67/plasmid DNA was prepared at a ratio of 0.75:1 mM. Liposomes were generated by hydrating GL67 to 11.4 mM with WFI. 10 ml of the final mixture containing 2.5 mg/ml of plasmid DNA complexed with GL67. PEI/plasmid DNA was prepared for a single aerosol delivery at a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml in a total volume of 10 ml in WFI, at N:P ratio of 10:1. The complexes were incubated at room temperature for 20 minutes before aerosolisation.

Aerosolisation of Plasmid DNA into the Mouse Airways

Mice were placed inside an 8.4 L exposure chamber (internal dimensions 24.6 cm×24.6 cm×13.8 cm). A maximum of 36 mice were placed within the chamber for any given aerosol exposure and the mice were free to move around within the chamber for the duration of the study. Once within the chamber the lid was secured and sealed into place using 38 mm wide electrical tape to create an aerosol tight seal. A total of 10 ml of gene transfer formulation was placed into the reservoir of either the Aerotech II (CIS-US Inc, Bedford, Mass., USA) jet nebuliser (for PEI/DNA aerosols) or the PARI LC+(PARI GmbH, Starnberg, Germany) jet nebuliser (for GL67/DNA aerosols) and aerosol was generated by passing compressed gas from a cylinder through the device. Generated aerosol was directed from the nebuliser into the exposure chamber via a length of 15 mm internal diameter PVC tubing connected centrally into the roof of the chamber by means of a specially constructed polyacetyl adapter. Excess aerosol within the chamber was vented to the atmosphere by means of a 10 mm diameter tube located in one side of the chamber and connected to a 0.2 μm Midistart 2000 PTFE air filter (Sartorius AG, Goettingen, Germany) for experiments using the Aerotech II nebuliser. No filter was included for experiments using the PARI LC+ nebuliser as the generated back pressure was found to critically impair aerosol production. 10 ml of both complexes were aerosolised in approximately 30 minutes.

Collection of BALF & Preparation of Mouse Lung Homogenates

When required, mice were killed by exposure to a rising concentration of CO, or by cervical dislocation. To collect BALF, the trachea was exposed and cannulated, lungs were lavaged four times with 1 ml BALF solution (1 PBS, 0.1% w/v BSA, 0.05 mM EDTA) recovered and kept on ice. Lungs and trachea were removed en bloc and incubated in 200 μl 1× reporter lysis buffer (RLB) (Promega, Southampton, UK) at 4° C. for up to 30 minutes before storage at −80° C. Lungs were then thawed at room temperature and homogenised for 15-30 seconds at maximum power with an Ultra-Turrax T8 tissue homogeniser (Janke & Kunkel GmbH, Staufen, Germany). Lung lysates were centrifuged, for 5 minutes at 16,000 rcf in a microcentrifuge. Lysate supernatant was collected and transferred to a QIAshredder column (Qiagen, Crawley, UK) and centrifuged for a further two minutes. Lysates were stored at −80° C. and thawed at room temperature before being assayed for Luciferase activity and protein content.

Analysis of BALF—Neutrophil Counts & Cytokine Levels

Cells from the BALF were concentrated by centrifugation at 400 rcf for 10 minutes at 4° C. The cell pellet was re-suspended in 1.1 ml BALF solution; the supernatant was collected and retained for separate analysis. A 100 μl sample of the re-suspended cells was removed for counting nucleated cells. The sample was mixed with an equal volume of Turks solution (3% v/v glacial acetic acid, 1% v/v crystal violet) and nucleated cells counted on a haemacytometer. Levels of TNF-α, IL-12 and IFN-γ in the BALF supernatant were quantitated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Quantikine M Immunoassay kits (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, USA) according to the manufacturers instructions.

Quantification of Luciferase Activity

Luciferase activity in lung lysates was using the Luciferase Assay System (Promega, Southampton, UK) and a Turner Designs TD-20/20 Luminometer (Steptech Instrument Services). Luciferase activity was normalised against total lung protein quantified using the Bio-Rad Protein Standard Assay II kit (Bio-Rad, Larne, UK) using a SpectraMAX 250 spectrophotometer plate reader and SOFTmax® Pro software (Molecular Devices, Wokingham, UK).

Example 1

In order to study the effects of CpG dinucleotides various constructs, were administered to mice. The constructs were administered to mouse lung and the levels of cytokines and neutrophils in BALF were measured to assess induction of inflammation.

In the first set of experiments constructs comprising the following were administered:

-   -   (i) a first generation construct of the type depicted in FIG. 7         containing 317 CpG dinucleotides in the construct;     -   (ii) a second generation construct of the type depicted in FIG.         7 containing 193 CpG dinucleotides in the construct; and     -   (iii) a third generation construct of the type depicted in FIG.         7 containing zero CpG dinucleotides in the construct.

In addition, control naïve mice were employed. Levels of TNF-α, IFNγ and IL-12 were measured as well as the number of neutrophils in BALF. The results obtained are shown graphically in the four graphs in FIG. 4 a. They show that the administration of constructs comprising no CpG dinucleotides eliminate almost entirely the increases in the inflammatory markers measured seen with the constructs comprising CpG dinucleotides.

In a further series of experiments the effect of the addition of a single CpG dinucleotide was measured. The following constructs were administered:

-   -   (i) a first generation construct of the type depicted in FIG. 7         with the construct containing 317 CpG dinucleotides;     -   (ii) a third generation construct of the type depicted in FIG.         7, but which has been modified to reintroduce a single CpG         dinucleotide; and     -   (iii) a third generation construct of the type depicted in FIG.         7 construct with zero CpG dinucleotides.         The results obtained are shown in the three graphs of FIG. 4 b         and show that the addition of just one CpG sequence is         sufficient to direct flu like symptoms and lung inflammation.

Thus constructs employing zero CpG dinucleotides will help eliminate flu like symptoms and lung inflammation when constructs are administered in vivo.

First generation plasmids such as pCIK Lux and pUb Lux are described by Gill D Ret at (2001) Gene Therapy October; 8(20):1539-46.

Third generation plasmids are derivatives of pCpG-LacZ available from Invivogen, the sequence of which can be found at http://www.invivogen.com/sequence/pCpG-LacZ_Seq.rtf.

To further support these observations, FIG. 4 c shows the results obtained when mice were administered with:

-   -   (i) the pCIKLux construct—a first generation plasmid with 317         CpGs;     -   (ii) pGM169 which contains the CFTR coding sequence, the hCEFI         promoter enhancer combination, and no CpGs. (pGM169 has the         modified sequence of Seq ID No.2 in which nucleotide 2595 is C,         nucleotide 3234 is T and nucleotide 3236 is C); and     -   (iii) water—as a negative control.         The results obtained show that in the absence of CpGs the         constructs have cause little or no inflammatory response

Example 2

The results obtained in Example 1 showed that the removal of CpG dinucleotides eliminated undesirable inflammatory responses due to the presence of the dinucleotides. However, the third generation constructs failed to give sustained and high level expression. Accordingly, further modifications were made to the constructs.

In particular, fourth generation constructs were generated introducing a hCEFI promoter consisting of a human CMV enhancer and the human EF1a promoter. In addition, further modifications were made to employ an alternative antibiotic resistance gene and to remove matrix attachment regions (MAR). The sequence of illustrative fourth generation constructs is provided in SEQ ID No: 1 (pGM160 construct with no coding sequence), SEQ ID No: 2 (pGM151 construct which includes encodes a CFTR polypeptide expressed from the hCEFI promoter and which has been codon optimised, similar results are achieved using a construct of SEQ ID No:2 in which nucleotide 2595 is C and nucleotides 3234 and 3236 are T and C respectively) and SEQ ID No: 4 (pGM144 construct which encodes a firefly luciferase polypeptide, soLux, expressed from the hCEFI promoter and which has been codon optimised.

In order to assess the efficacy of the hCEFI promoter the pGM144 construct was used. The firefly luciferase gene (soLux) under the transcriptional control of the hCEFI was used as a reporter gene. The luciferase reporter gene allows expression from the hCEFI promoter to be monitored and hence the level and length of expression can be measured.

In order to assess the efficacy of pGM144 aerosol delivery to mice two different formulations were used, namely GL67 and PEI aerosols. The pGM144 construct was assessed side-by side with a number of different constructs. In particular, using GL67 aerosols comprising the constructs, the following constructs were administered:

-   -   (i) pGM144 (also referred to as pG4hCEFI soLux) which uses the         hCEFI promoter for expression of luciferase and which has zero         CpG dinucleotides in the construct;     -   (ii) pG2Ubc Lux (pGM105) which uses the human polyubiquitin C         promoter for expression and comprises 245 CpG dinucleotides in         the construct;     -   (iii) pG4GZB soLux (pGM142) which uses the human CMV enhancer         and promoter and which has zero CpG dinucleotides in the         construct;     -   (iv) pG4mCEFI soLux (pGM141) which employs the mouse CMV         enhancer and the human EFIa promoter and has zero CpG         dinucleotides in the construct; and     -   (v) pG1 CMV lux (pCILux) which uses the CMV IE promoter and         enhancer for expression and comprises 317 dinucleotides in the         construct.

In addition, the following constructs were administered using the cationic polymer PEI:

-   -   (i) pGM144 (pG4hCEFI soLux) which uses the hCEFI promoter for         expression of luciferase and which has zero CpG dinucleotides in         the construct;     -   (ii) pG4GZB soLux (pGM142) which uses the human CMV enhancer and         promoter and which has zero CpG dinucleotides in the construct;     -   (iii) pG4 mCEFI soLux (pGM141) which employs the mouse CMV         enhancer and the human EFIa promoter and has zero CpG         dinucleotides in the construct; and     -   (iv) pG3 mCEFI Lux (pGM139) a further construct which employs         the mouse CMV enhancer and the human EFIa promoter and has zero         CpG dinucleotides in the construct. The construct also comprises         matrix attachment regions.

Unexpectedly, the pGM144 construct employing the hCEFI promoter of the invention was the only construct to give sustained and high level expression with GL67 (FIG. 5) and PEI (FIG. 6). None of the other constructs gave comparable expression with either GL67 or PEI delivery. The only other construct giving appreciable expression 28 days after delivery was the human polyubiquitin C promoter present in the pG2 UBC Lux construct that gave substantially less expression than the hCEFI promoter.

The results were surprising in particular given that the pGM141 construct has a composite of the mouse CMV enhancer and the human EF1 a promoter and yet gives no significant expression, whereas the hCEFI promoter comprises a composite of the human CMV enhancer and human EF1 a promoter and is far superior. There was no indication that the mouse CMV enhancer in combination with the human EF1a promoter would be anything other than functional.

The results obtained show that the hCEFI promoter can be used to obtain sustained and high expression used the reporter gene luciferase as a model for coding sequences in general. The mouse lung model serves as a good in vivo model and is particularly useful for airway disorders such as cystic fibrosis.

Example 3

The results obtained in Example 2 showed that the CpG free hCEFI enhancer promoter combination in a fourth generation CpG free plasmid backbone (pGM144) directed sustained and high level expression when complexed with either GL67 or PEI and delivered to the mouse lungs.

In a further series of experiments alternative permutations of the CpG containing or CpG free versions of the human CMV enhancer, human elongation factor 1 alpha promoter and plasmid backbone were evaluated.

The following expression constructs were complexed with GL67 and delivered to the mouse lungs by aerosolisation.

-   -   (i) pGM146 (also referred to as pG2 EF1a Lux) a second         generation construct that uses the native Elongation Factor 1a         promoter for expression of luciferase. Importantly, the promoter         contains 18 CpGs within the promoter region and a total of 245         CpGs in the entire construct.     -   (ii) pGM147 (also referred to as pG2 CEF1a Lux) a second         generation construct that uses the native human CMV enhancer         coupled to the native Elongation Factor 1a promoter for         expression of luciferase. Importantly, the enhancer promoter         region contains 35 CpGs within the enhancer/promoter region and         a total of 262 CpGs in the entire construct.     -   (iii) pGM157 (also referred to as pG2 hCEFI Lux) a second         generation construct that uses the CpG free human CMV enhancer         coupled to the CpG free Elongation Factor 1a promoter (the hCEFI         enhancer promoter) for expression of luciferase. Importantly,         the enhancer promoter region contains 0 CpGs within the         enhancer/promoter region and a total of 149 CpGs in the entire         construct.     -   (iv) pGM144 (also referred to as pG4 hCEFI soLux) described         above a fourth generation construct using the CpG free human CMV         enhancer coupled to the CpG free Elongation Factor 1a promoter         (the hCEFI enhancer promoter) for expression of luciferase.         Importantly, the entire construct contains 0 CpGs.

The results obtained are shown in FIG. 8, the only construct that directed sustained high level mouse lung expression was the CpG free pGM144 in which expression was directed by the hCEFI enhancer/promoter. The hCEFI enhancer/promoter in the context of a second generation CpG containing plasmid backbone (pGM157) directed transient lung luciferase expression. Furthermore, the native CpG containing Elongation Factor 1 alpha promoter with (pGM147) or without (pGM146) the human CMV enhancer directed transient lung luciferase expression.

The results of Example 2 and 3 demonstrate that of the constructs described only the combination of the hCEFI enhancer/promoter in the context of the CpG free fourth generation plasmid backbone directs sustained high level lung transgene expression. Neither the use of the hCEFI enhancer/promoter in a second generation plasmid backbone, or the use of alternative enhancer/promoter combinations in the fourth generation plasmid backbone directed sustained high level lung transgene expression.

Example 4

The results obtained in Examples 2 and 3 show that the CpG free hCEFI enhancer promoter combination in a fourth generation CpG free plasmid backbone (pGM144) directed sustained and high level expression when complexed with either GL67 or PEI and delivered to the mouse lungs for at least 28 days.

In a further series of experiments lung gene expression was evaluated over an extended period of time after administration and compared lung gene expression with a derivative of pGM148 in which the CpG free version of the human CMV enhancer was removed.

The following expression constructs were complexed with GL67 and delivered to the mouse lungs by aerosolisation:

-   -   (i) pGM144 (also referred to as pG4 hCEFI soLux) described above         a fourth generation construct using the CpG free human CMV         enhancer coupled to the CpG free Elongation Factor 1a promoter         (the hCEFI enhancer promoter) for expression of luciferase.         Importantly, the entire construct contains 0 CpGs.     -   (ii) pGM148 (also referred to as pG4 EFI soLux) is a fourth         generation construct using only the CpG free Elongation Factor         1a promoter for expression of luciferase. Importantly, the         entire construct contains 0 CpGs.

The results obtained are shown in FIG. 9. The only construct that directed sustained high level mouse lung expression was the CpG free pGM144 in which expression was directed by the hCEFI enhancer/promoter. The EFI promoter alone in the context of a fourth generation CpG free plasmid backbone (pGM148) directed negligible lung luciferase expression. Furthermore, pGM144 shows sustained high level lung luciferase expression for at least 56 days after a single administration.

CONCLUSIONS

In the expression of sequences high level and sustained expression are desirable. The hCEFI promoter provides such expression and has been demonstrated to be superior to an array of promoters. In addition, the elimination, or at least reduction of, inflammation induced by vectors when administered in vivo is also desirable. The work described here also shows that elimination of CpG sequences found in common plasmid expression vectors abolishes inflammation associated with such sequences and in particular when constructs are administered to the lung. Thus, high level and sustained expression and reduction or elimination of unwanted inflammation can be achieved. 

1. A nucleic acid construct comprising a hCEF1 promoter operably linked to a sequence for expression, where the hCEF1 promoter comprises: (i) a human CMV enhancer operably linked to a human EF1a promoter; (ii) a functional fragment of (i); or (iii) a functional variant of (i) or (ii).
 2. A construct according to claim 1, which is a plasmid construct.
 3. A construct according to claim 1, wherein the construct does not comprise any CpG dinucleotides.
 4. A construct according to claim 1, wherein the construct comprises a kanamycin resistance marker.
 5. A construct according to claim 1, wherein the hCEF1 promoter comprises the sequences of nucleotides 7 to 538 of SEQ ID No:1, a functional fragment thereof or a functional variant of either.
 6. A construct according to claim 1, wherein the sequence for expression encodes a therapeutic polypeptide.
 7. A construct according to claim 6, wherein the sequence to be expressed encodes a CFTR polypeptide, where the construct comprises: (i) the sequence of SEQ ID No:2 or the sequence of SEQ ID No:2 in which nucleotide 2595 is C and/or nucleotide 3234 and 3236 are T and C respectively; or (i) a construct with at least 70% sequence identity to (i) and which comprises a hCEF1 promoter as defined in any one of the preceding claims.
 8. A construct according to claim 1 for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body by therapy or surgery.
 9. A construct according to claim 1 for use as a medicament.
 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a construct according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. 11.-13. (canceled)
 14. A method of treating a disorder comprising administering a construct according to claim 1 in an effective amount to a subject suffering from such a disorder.
 15. (canceled)
 16. An isolated nucleic acid comprising a sequence, or the complement of a sequence, selected from the group comprising: (i) the nucleic acid sequence of nucleotides 738 to 5180 of SEQ ID No: 2; (ii) the nucleic acid sequence of nucleotides 738 to 5180 of SEQ ID No: 2 in which nucleotide 2595 is amended to be C and/or nucleotides 3234 and 3236 are amended to be T and C respectively; and (iii) a sequence with at least 75% sequence identity to (i) or (ii). 17.-20. (canceled) 